All around is seasonal red, green and white, but for some Christmas is a “blue” time of year. Not only gloomy weather and long nights make life dark at this time of year. Losses, regrets, anxiety, loneliness, anger, and despair feel especially burdensome when all around appears merry and jolly.
The annual Blue Christmas service is offered to those wishing to acknowledge the holy season in a more reflective, comforting way. Volunteers representing local churches, hospice society and funeral home want the public to know such people are not alone in their Christmas “blues”, and that there is a place amid the rush and merry-making, for a quieter gathering.
This year, Blue Christmas will be held on Sunday December 20 at 7:00 p.m. at the Oliver Lutheran Centre (formerly St. John’s, at the corner of Okanagan St. and Veteran’s Way). The event is held close to “the longest night” both to symbolize the deepest darkness people can feel at this time of year, and also to offer the hope of light returning.
Father Neil Lustado, priest at Christ the King and committee member, explains that Blue Christmas offers “a moment of slowing down to find our very self, reconnecting to disconnected relationships, and laying down the burdens of our mind, heart, and soul.” Besides quiet music, readings, and prayers, people are also welcome to participate in a simple “Stones and Light” liturgy. Participants are invited to cast away a stone of burden, and light a candle as a sign of hope. The service is non-intrusive and respectful, with a quiet, meaningful simplicity.
Fr. Neil offers this invitation on behalf of the volunteers: “Let us listen in the soft whispers, to experience the beauty and stillness of this spirit-filled gathering. As we welcome the Christmas season, we go beyond the ‘Christmassy’ to embrace the very reason of togetherness: the birth of Jesus Christ. Each one’s presence is a gift to one another.”
Organizer Brita Park adds: “Even if we aren’t ourselves burdened by holiday pressures, we can come to Blue Christmas as companions or advocates of people who are. Many choose to invite and accompany someone who is in need of support. It is a comforting way to honour and include someone feeling helpless at a stressful time.”
Quiet reflection, a few words of comfort, simple actions, soft carols, companionship and light refreshments are offered in the hope that a burden shared is a burden lightened. “Blue” Christmas is not only blue to acknowledge the emotion, but also as a sign that, rather than the night being “black”, there is the promise of light on the horizon.
A presentation by local churches, Desert Valley Hospice Society and Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Service.
Submitted by Penelope Johnson