The Darkest Night
Monday, December 21, 2009 at 9:55AM December 21st is the longest night of the year and when our church holds it's Blue Christmas service.
This service is geared towards less of a "Holly Jolly" service and more of a reflective service. A place where those who find the holidays difficult can find solace and comfort.
Every year I have helped to lead this service that I believe is so very important. So often we talk about all the blessings we have and how happy we should be that at times, it feels like it's wrong to be sad. Life can be very sad especially at this time of year and people need a place they can feel safe to admit that.
This service can be that place.
As I have done in the past I am going to spend a lot of time praying for, thinking about, and thanking God for this community tonight. I worry about you, I consider you my friends, and I love you all.
One of the "stations" at the end of the service is a spot to light candles for people you are praying for or thinking about. I will light one for the OC and would love to light one specifically for you and pray for you if you wouldn't mind.
If you would rather not comment on here for the world to see then you can use the contact button at the top. Your candle request will be emailed to me.
If you are having a difficult time this holiday season, know that you are not alone and that feeling blue is nothing to be ashamed of. Someone else can "deck the halls" this year and we can pray that next year will be easier.
Reader Comments (7)
I would love a candle lit for me. I've been in diabetes rebellion and am having a hard time with this season for a number of reasons, but the way I feel physically because of my numbers and my diet being all out of whack only compounds the issue. Dear, dear families -- the love/hate relationship we have with them makes Christmas a difficult time of year. Thank God, quite literally, for the OC and for you, George, to care enough to want to pray for us. You are a blessing this season, and always. A Merry and Blessed Christmas to you.
What a wonderful service and a wonderful thing for you to do. I'm proud to be among the OC and honored that you'll be lighting a candle for us. You are right, I always feel so guilty that the holidays make me so blue. I know I am so lucky to have the life that I do - and I feel like I shouldn't be sad when I'm so blessed. One of my greatest blessings? Counting you as one of my cherished friends!!
You are SO awesome. What a wonderful service your church offers.
You light a candle for me, I light a candle for you. And for all others in the OC that offer us so much, give us so much.
Hugs, prayers and love Dbro.
What a great thing to do. Thank you!
What a beautiful sentiment. You are a wonderfully loving person. I am eternally grateful to the DOC. Those candles will shine brightly.
Your an AMAZING friend and a source of light and strength to all of us in the DOC.
I'm so blessed to call you friend.
I will light a candle as well, and am thanking you in advance for lighting one for me and the rest of the folks!
George-
You are such a great friend! Please light a candle for my family.