Blue Christmas

For many people, the approaching Christmas holiday does not bring with it the joy and happiness that is advertised on television or in greeting cards. They may be facing a holiday after the death of a loved one or after a divorce. Perhaps they have been unable to have a child, or have suffered through an emotional trauma. Maybe they've experienced difficulties finding a job or making ends meet in these difficult economic times. Or perhaps they feel pressured and overwhelmed by holiday preparations.

     This year, we attempt to reach out to people who feel such burdens by adding a Blue Christmas service to our worship offerings. This service has a quieter, somber feel than a traditional Christmas worship service. Scripture, music and meditations or sermons will focus on the comfort God offers during dark times. We will attempt to create sacred space for people living through dark times. This service will be reflective, and accept where individuals really are emotionally, and offer to them healing and hope in these dark days.

      For the darkness we sometimes experience in our lives, we will hold this service of worship on the longest night of the year, which falls on December 21st at 7 p. m.

      Isaiah 9:2 reminds us: "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness–on them light has shined." Please invite those in your lives or our community who might be suffering alone this season to this service of hope and healing so they too might know they do not suffer alone. For you and I, and for them, the great Emmanuel–God with us has come.

Blessings,
Tracy