For many, the holidays don’t feel like a time to celebrate, deck the halls, and spread the joy of the coming Christ child. Instead, this is a time punctuated with sadness, grief, and loss. Unfortunately, those suffering are too often forced into the shadows or compelled to put on a happy face while enduring those lustily singing “Joy to the World” and gleefully trimming the tree.
In an era obsessed with optimism, positivity, and motivational quips, Blue Christmas services bring to the foreground very common everyday realities. Whether faced with loss, grief, depression, disease, divorce, or any other hardship, the Blue Christmas service is designed specifically for you. It is intended to meet those experiencing grief and sadness exactly where they are in the darkness of this season, offering healing and hope, rather than forcing cheer.
Blue Christmas services likely began in hospice communities in the 1980s, but have become widespread in church life since the 1990s. Many services take place on or near December 21st, the Longest Night of the year, as well as the feast day for Saint Thomas the Apostle. These connections invite links between the longest nights of the year, Thomas, who struggled believing the story of Jesus’ resurrection, and those struggling with the darkness of grief and loss throughout the season.
Community United Methodist Church will be offering a Blue Christmas service on December 17, at 2:00 PM. The entire community is invited as we prepare our hearts and homes for Christmas through this contemplative service, followed by a quiet time for fellowship.