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Blue Christmas Service @ St. George Episcopal Church in Camdenton |
Thursday December 20, 2018
At 6:00 PM |
Blue Christmas Service - December 20 at 6pm
For those experiencing grief, loss or hardship, the Christmas season is far from the most wonderful time of the year. Typical holiday festivities—merry carol singing, decorating, gathering with family and purchasing gifts—emphasize joy and cheer, leaving little room for pain and grief.
The service is open to anyone, and often non-church-goers and even those who practice other religions attend. The service is meant to be ecumenical in nature and open to anyone who needs it, regardless of denomination. While attendees are often coping with the loss of a loved one, there are many types of grief that are expressed in these services. It could be the loss of a job, it could be the loss of a marriage… any sort of substantial loss. Any loss like that creates a hole in our life.
The service includes a candle lighting ceremony done in memory of those who have been lost, which in turn symbolizes resilience and hope. People are invited during the service to come forward, light a candle and place it in a bowl of water. While the bowl symbolizes feelings of loss and pain, the liturgy states that the candles act as a reminder that the presence of loved ones is still with us. A symbol of what they meant to us, how they loved us, and formed us, and can never be taken away.
Our secular world is so busy and noisy all year round. This service will be quiet and reflective. The service is simple and focused on our Lord. We light candles and focus on our personal needs in an atmosphere of quiet contemplation. This quietness “restores our hearts and enables us to carry on.â€
In response, some churches offer special services leading up to Christmas that accommodate those for whom the season is trying and difficult. These services are called Blue Christmas or Longest Night services. They emphasize the pain of loss felt by many at this time of year, and offer a somber, gentle space to gather. This service is designed specifically for people for whom Christmas is not a happy time. The service is meant as a way to acknowledge the birth of Christ without the joyful, celebratory trappings of a typical Christmas service, which can be painful for those coping with loss. Symbolically, many of these services are held on or around December 21, the date of the winter solstice, the longest night of the year.
St. George will be holding its Blue Christmas Service on December 20 at 6pm.
The constant refrains on radio and television, in shopping malls and churches, about the happiness of the season, about getting together with family and friends, reminds many people of what they have lost. The anguish of the death of a loved one can make us feel alone in the midst of the celebrating and joy. We need the space and time to acknowledge our sadness; we need to know that we are not alone. We need encouragement to live the days ahead of us.
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. – Matthew 11:28-30
For those of you who would like to stay and receive anointing and laying on of hands as well as breaking bread with us, you are welcome and loved!
Website: saintge.org
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