ODESSA, Fla. — At Keystone United Methodist Church, Christmas joy is everywhere. But on this day, Pastor Pamela Bowden is lighting candles for those who are in pain.

What You Need To Know

Keystone United Methodist Church is hosting its first Blue Christmas Service

The Blue Christmas Service is for those who have lost a loved one or are experiencing some sort of sadness this holiday season

The pastor said there will be music, prayer and candle lighting

The service will be held at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 20 at Keystone United Methodist Church in Odessa

“These are folks that really are not feeling the joy of Christmas. They’re not feeling the ‘Fa la La La La,’ and their hearts are heavy,” Bowden said.

Maureen Hames understands how hard it can be. She has lost two children — one to brain cancer, and the other to drugs. And in August, her best friend, Von Evert, passed away.

“That was difficult because she was who I could confide in,” Hames said. “So I don’t have that anymore.”

For 43 years, Von Evert was part of Hames’ family.

“The loss is harder now because the holidays are starting to come up a little bit, and I would normally spend a lot of time with her,” Hames said.

That sort of loss is why Bowden decided to hold a special Saturday service, a way to comfort those who were hurting.

“It is OK,” Bowden said. “They don’t have to be jolly. They don’t have to smile and laugh with other family members. They can really be sad. And this particular service, they are actually given permission to be whoever in this moment they wanna be.”

It’s called a Blue Christmas service. And this is the first time they’re having one at Keystone United Methodist Church. There will be music and prayer. And Bowden said they will light candles in memory of loved ones.

“There’s something about lighting the candle and looking at the candle and then seeing all the other people come and light candles,” Bowden said. “That we’re in this grief together.”

Bowden knows how it feels to lose someone special. She lost her first husband. She lost her dog. And last year, her sister passed away.

“That one hasn’t truly hit,” Bowden said. 

But she said it’s important for people to know they are not alone. The Blue Christmas service brings them together.

Hames believes that will help.

“Oh, I know it will,” she said.

Because even through grief, there’s hope.

The Blue Christmas service will be held at 5 p.m. on Dec. 20 at Keystone United Methodist Church at 16301 Race Track Rd. in Odessa.