Blue Christmas: A Service of Remembrance and Hope
By The Rev. Pamela Leach
“By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”
Who do you know who may be facing a difficult time this holiday season? The reasons vary - hardships related to health or finances, broken relationships, lost loved ones. No matter the reason, each December inevitably finds many sitting out of the holiday festivities or simply going through the motions because the joy of the season has become elusive.
For those in the midst of grief and hardship, we offer again this Advent a Blue Christmas service centered not on the joy of the season, but on the hope that is ours in Christ Jesus. Indeed, the message of Advent is one of hope and faith. As we gather at this service, we will claim the truth expressed in Luke that, “By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace” (1:78-9).
Prayerfully consider whom you know who may need a place to sit quietly before the One who is with us in the darkness of our sorrow and will see us through to the morning when joy shall return. Cards with service information can be found on the tables outside the sanctuary or in the church office. These can be taken to share with your personal invitation to attend the Blue Christmas service on Sunday, December 9, at 6:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary.