We all know people in our community for whom Christmas may be a particularly complicated, fragile, time of the year. Thinking about it, we ourselves may be the ones who find it difficult to join wholeheartedly in the festivities this year. Grief, loneliness, hurt, illness, anger or a fearful unease– “the blues”– may just weigh too heavily on our hearts. The cheery songs, glittering sights and sumptuous get-togethers of Christmas may seem like superficial distractions to us, instead of an expression of authentic joy and hope.

Oliver’s yearly “Blue Christmas” tradition is one response to this reality. It seeks to provide “a time of light in the midst of darkness”. For the seventh year in a row, numerous local churches are organizing to provide this simple, meditative ecumenical service for our extended community.

Held on one of the darkest days of the year, “Blue Christmas” could also be called “Slow Christmas”. No need to rush through the motions of a joyful event to cover up our inner worries or emptiness.  No need to “pretend away” the specific burden we happen to carry.  Through gentle music, Biblical readings, reflections, song, prayerful ritual and candlelight, the Blue Christmas service  makes connections between the Christmas story and our heavy hearts.  For us individually, and for us seated side by side as neighbours, friends, or strangers, this service can remind us that the light of new beginnings is indeed possible.

After the service, some may wish to remain seated in the quiet calm of the candle-lit sanctuary, while others may gather downstairs over refreshments and tea.

Everyone is invited and warmly welcomed to this year’s Blue Christmas service on Sunday,Dec.22, at 7 pm. Held at:

Oliver Lutheran Centre, (the small white church formerly known as St. John’s) 6431 Okanagan St. at Veteran’s Ave.