What is a Blue Christmas Service?
No, it is not connected to the song Elvis made popular. … so please know this song is not the center piece of this service.
For those who suffered a loss and grieving, the holidays can accentuate feelings of sadness. Being surrounded by happy Christmas carols and holiday parties may cause people to mask their feelings or even create some shame around having them. However, when a loved one is no longer present to celebrate the holiday, there is often guilt, sadness, and loneliness.
A Blue Christmas service can offer some healing and hope. The idea behind the Blue Christmas service is to create space for the acknowledgment of the heaviness often carried during this season, as well as offering the hope that Jesus gives. The Bible clearly acknowledges, celebrates, and makes space for pain, struggle, hardship, and tears – and so can we.
A Blue Christmas service is a quiet, contemplative service that usually happens on the winter solstice. This day, which has the longest night and the shortest day, is symbolic of our darker nights when we find ourselves grieving, lonely, or longing for something better. The Blue Christmas service is all about making space during a season that is noisy with celebration, to acknowledge the “both/and” of our emotions. It’s an avenue of making space for beautiful pastoral care and compassionate community for those who are struggling. This is the caring setting that Epworth designed for those struggling during the holiday season. We make space for anyone grieving, lonely or longing for that which is missing for them this Christmas.
Come and join us Thursday, December 18 at noon in the Choir Room.