This is the time of year that we all get caught up in the excitement of the Holy Day Season.
Bells are ringing around the Salvation Army buckets, the “Best Christmas Pageant Ever” was definitely the Best Christmas Pageant Ever. The annual Boreal Chorale gives the incredible gift of music to the community as they sing of the celebration of Christmas. The night streets are lit by the colorful displays of lights on homes and trees, on businesses, highways, and byways. People greet each other with smiles and good wishes when they meet on the street. Some cars even have reindeer antlers on their roofs. There are dances and parties, families get together and life just somehow seems oh-so-much better.
For many the holidays are not just about joy and laughter, but are rather times of disappointment and depression. Broken relationships, unemployment, ill health, isolation, or death can contribute to the feeling of being alone in the bleakness of a landscape while everyone around them (it seems) is surrounded by light and warmth…just plain “feeling blue.”
Although it may go unnoticed or maybe we are afraid to share our true feelings – but still there is struggle to get through the holidays. It really becomes a time where “ho ho ho” becomes “bah humbug!” So what do we do? How do we see light in the darkness? How do we get through this time? There is an answer. Zoar Church has opened her doors for a special evening of quiet reflection by candle light. Pastors Daren Blanck and EvaLyn Carlson have prepared a special “Blue Christmas” worship experience of hope that acknowledges the pain of loss and loneliness, but also reminds us of the true meaning of Christmas – God with us. The service is a short celebration of life and light that doesn’t deny that darkness can slip into the edges of our lives. The service includes a meditative time for remembering, naming our pain or sadness, and preparing our hearts for the coming of Christ.
Everyone, regardless of church background – or lack of it – is welcome to attend this special time at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 16 at Zoar Church in Tofte.
Leave a Reply