More about the Blue Christmas Service

As we in the church observe Advent and the larger community bustles with festivities as Christmas approaches, we all receive a message that we are to be full of the “Christmas spirit.”  That expectation can become a burden to anyone.  There is an unreality in the assumption that everyone is full of joy.  Actually this can be one of the most stressful times of the year.  It can bring financial pressure as the result of shopping.  The frenzy of traffic and crowded shopping malls are at a peak.  The emphasis on family and friends may cause pain to erupt when relationships are broken or loved ones have died.    

Thus we may feel estranged from those about us who at least appear to be filled with the Christmas spirit.  We may feel the pain of darkness more than ever in this season of celebrating light.  Yet rarely do we have permission to express those feelings lest we spoil the party for everyone else. 

To address this dilemma in this season, we are offering a new service of worship—Tidings of Comfort: A Blue Christmas Service.  The service will give an opportunity to name the pain we may feel in this season.  The bidding prayer begins, “As darkness deepens in the world around us, we gather to watch for the light.  Each of us comes with some darkness—some pain, grief, regret, or sorrow—that makes the light more difficult to see.  As the world around us twinkles with festivity, we turn aside.  We seek one single flame: a pure and living light, which alone can illumine our darkness.” 

We will offer prayers of lament, of comfort, and of hope.  We will hear words of comfort from scripture.  The music will seek to focus our longing and God’s presence with us in all things.  Finally we will lift the names of those who are heavy on our hearts.  The service will be simple and accessible to all—one that we can share with others.  Come as you are.  It is Thursday, December 19 at 7:30 p.m.  

Come to acknowledge the burdens you are bearing.  Come to grieve over the painful Christmases of the past.  Come to name the emptiness of this season without a loved one who has died or is now far away.  Come on behalf of others who live in pain in this season.  Come to find peace and healing. 

The Rev. Linda Wofford Hawkins 

Rector