During Advent we’re supposed prepare for to anticipate Christmas with joy & gratitude. However, not all of us can be joyful, due to past trauma & pain. The pressure these conditions bring can be unbearable.

• Whether it’s constant family obligations—of gathering, celebrating, giving, eating, drinking, & acquiring the material comforts we believe will make us happy, or the apparent obligation to buy everything everybody you know a gift.
• The experiences of past traumatic events can be revisited & rub salt on wounds that some of us already bear. The benefit of such a “Blue Christmas” service is recognizing there are lonely, poor, & hurting people out there & for us to be more understanding of the burdens people carry. The service gives us the chance to come, meditate, receive a blessing, confess, be absolved, & be comforted by the Word of God, our ancient prayers all in a safe space.