People often have different experiences of the holidays. For many, it is a time of joy, happiness, peace on earth, good will, celebrating with family and friends, and hope for the future. But despite the bombardment of Christmas season merry-making, the holidays can really present a challenge for dealing with the sometimes hidden needs of our community. Many are unable to spend the holidays with those they love; are dealing with sickness or divorce and separation; or maybe stressed or depressed over family, finances, future or any number of difficult situations.
The holiday blues can affect men and women of all ages with intense and unsettling feelings ranging from mild sadness to severe clinical depression. Based on his description of how he is feeling, Charlie Brown appears to have a classic case of the Holiday Blues.
This can be very difficult for those who have lost a loved one and are facing the first or the umpteenth season without them. When there is a significant loss or change during the year, it is normal to feel reflective or blue like Charlie Brown. All of that joyous public celebration and portrayal of the “perfect” holiday is but a painful reminder of what the grieving person is missing. Memories of holiday seasons past, thoughts of a season that will never be can trigger sad and blue days.
It is for that reason that First Congregational Church has designed a special “Blue Christmas” service on Thursday, Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. to include scripture, prayer, gentle music and a time for reflection and remembering to remind us that God’s presence is for all…even those who feel brokenness and pain…and God’s word comes to give light to our darkness.
Pastor EvaLyn of the Congregational Church said, “Please come and be with us and bring others who you know will benefit from this experience of love and caring. Everyone, regardless of church background (or lack of it) is welcome. “
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