Holidays in our culture are often about families, and families are not always happy institutions. It can be a particularly difficult time for people who are grieving the death of a loved one, the death of a relationship, or even the death of a pet. People who are grieving often feel they are in a bleak landscape while everyone around them seems to be surrounded by light and warmth. The alienation can be overwhelming Other struggles in life can also make this season of celebration difficult—job loss, health struggles, mental health issues, loneliness.
“We think we have to have the perfect Christmas and we have to be happy this time of year—when the reality is that we’re not,” says EvaLyn Carlson, pastor at First Congregational Church in Grand Marais who began offering these services in response to her own experience of losses.
“I just didn’t feel the ‘ho-ho-ho’ and frankly had no enthusiasm for the holiday season at all. That probably wasn’t too helpful being the minister and all. But I found that reflective, quiet time away from the chaos, ringing bells, and musack was just what I needed to give me the energy to find a deeper meaning. Being with others who also found the season difficult helped me understand that I was not really alone at all.”
The Blue Christmas worship service is unique in that it seeks to give space and time for loss in the midst of celebration. In this service, quiet songs and contemplative readings offer support and strength for the journey through the holiday season. The opportunity to light candles in prayer or in memory of our loved ones allows us to move from solemn to hopeful over the course of the service…giving expression to both sorrow and the longing for hope. “Christmas is for everyone, especially those who are in deep darkness, for on them the light has shined, too!”
The service is scheduled for December 6 at 7 p.m. at the First Congregational Church at 300 West 2nd Street in Grand Marais. It is a time to move from feeling blue to experiencing the wonder and hope of Christmas. There is no need to RSVP. Dress is casual and everyone, regardless of church background, (or lack of it) is welcome.
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