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A Blue Christmas service (also called a Longest Night service) in the Western Christian tradition is a worship service, held in the season of Advent as close as possible to the longest night of the year, December 21, the Winter Solstice. On this day, churches in many Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, Methodist, Moravian, and Reformed Christan parishes hold a service of worship that honors people that have lost loved ones; who are experiencing some form of grief, pain, loss, or isolation in the Advent season.
At St. John's, we will have a Blue Christmas service, focused on healing, on December 22 at 4:00pm in the Choir Room. During this service, we remember those for whom the holidays are not joyful; they are lonely, in mourning, feeling alienated and cast apart from family celebrations; they are experiencing depression and sadness and yet are often compelled to ‘put on a happy face’ for others, denying their true feelings.
Your grief may be from the loss of a loved one, it could come from the loss of a relationship, loss of a job, or a home; it could come in the form of a powerful disappointment when hopes and dreams are dashed. It may be a bone deep and tired grief that the world seems to be a hostile place, where fear and anger fill the daily news. Whatever your grief or sadness, or if you simply need a quiet time of Communion, prayer and reflection, please know you are welcome.
Holy Communion is traditionally a part of the service of worship. And in the United Methodist tradition, the Communion Table is open and we welcome all who wish to partake. You do not need to be a St. John’s member or a United Methodist. You can come and partake if you don’t profess the Christian faith, but have a desire for the healing love offered by Jesus the Christ.
Kneelers will be provided on the floor level in front of the altar. Worshipers may stop and pray after receiving Communion, and there will be an additional time for private and personal prayers; or if you wish, prayers shared with one of our pastors or lay ministers and the laying on of hands.
Candles, including those arranged as an Advent wreath, will be lit during the service. Scriptures, hymns and special music will focus on themes of Advent: expectant waiting, cries to dispel the ‘gloomy clouds of night,” and the seeking of enlightenment for all who “sit in darkness and in the shadow of death.”
There will be opportunities for the expression of grief, pain, struggle and heartbreak as well as an invitation to focus on the promise of hope found in Christ. Our prayer is that you will find a sense of welcome, trust and understanding during this time of worship.
CLICK HERE for more information about support groups and grief support at St. John's.
Rev. Josh Kouri, senior pastor
Rev. Molly Shannon, minister of Congregational Care
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