Christmas is

wonderful, but can be tough when it arouses painful memories. So say counselors,

pastors, and others who are often called upon to help people come to terms

with seasonal sadness.

Christ Our

Shepherd Lutheran Church will offer a special Advent healing service next

Monday at 7 p.m., both for members of the congregation and for the community,

says Rev. Miriam Beecher, the Peachtree City congregation's associate

pastor.

The first holiday

season following a losswhether by death, divorce, a move, or a job change

is often the hardest, but there is no statute of limitations on grieving,

she said. Some call their annual struggle with depression "the Christmas

Blues."

"For all

of us, Christmas brings thoughts and sentiments to the surface about the

ones we love," Beecher said. "Even if someone dear to us passed

away years ago, preparations for Christmas have a way of bringing memories

and feelings to mind."

Expectations

are high. Television, magazines, and movies paint pictures of perfect

families and healthy relationships. Every story has a happy ending.

Because real

life is not always like that, the church is offering a "reflective,

instructive, prayerful, uplifting service," the pastor said, with

gentle music and an opportunity for personal prayer and a blessing at

the altar.

Several of

the church's ministriesincluding the pastoral care, healing, and prayer

ministries, as well as the Stephen's Ministry worked together to bring

this healing service about.

The church

is located at the intersection of Peachtree Parkway and Georgia Hwy. 54

in Peachtree City. For further information, call the office at 770-487-8717.

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