Blue Christmas
Saturday, December 11, 2021, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Blue Christmas: When is it and Why would I want to attend?
When: Saturday, December 11: 6:00 PM in the church
Why: Many of us are acquainted with the paradox of the Advent and Christmas seasons – a time when we feel we are supposed to celebrate hope, love, joy and peace, and yet a time that can also be full of depression, sadness, and grief. Blue Christmas services offer special recognition of the struggles that many people face during this season. Its somber tone also testifies to the struggles of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus that are often overlooked. By offering this service of worship to your congregation and community, you can acknowledge the struggles that we all face while providing a safe place of rest, comfort, and healing.
Christmas can be a painful time for some. It may be the first Christmas without a loved family member who has recently died; it may be a time that has always been difficult. The constant refrains on radio and television, in shopping malls and churches, about the happiness of the season, about getting together with family and friends, reminds many people of what they have lost. The anguish of the death of a loved one can make us feel alone in the midst of the celebrating and joy. We need the space and time to acknowledge our sadness; we need to know that we are not alone. We need encouragement to live the days ahead of us.
(Taken from the Nouwen Network)