“I’ll have a blue Christmas without you. I’ll be so blue just thinking about you. Decorations of red on a green Christmas tree won’t be the same if you’re not here with me.”
Those lyrics by Elvis Presley can certainly ring true when we have experienced the loss of a loved one or have had some other crisis in our life. Seeing Christmas decorations, hearing Christmas carols can amplify the “blues,” the loneliness that we feel. And, coupled with the long darkness of winter nights, we can feel that our grief will never end.
If you find yourself cringing at the idea of celebrating Christmas when there is going to be an empty place at the table, or someone missing beside you in the pew, then consider attending our Blue Christmas/Longest Night Service this year. It will be held on Wednesday, December 21st, at 3:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. The winter solstice gives us the shortest day and longest night on that day.
The Blue Christmas/Longest Night Service will offer an alternative to the traditional services of celebration. It will have time for acknowledging your pain and grief, and a time to remember and honor your loved one. Consider inviting someone you know is in pain to attend this meaningful time.