Lighting Candles
Monday, December 20, 2010 at 7:00AM Tomorrow is December 21st. The winter solstice. The longest night of the year.
Every year on the 21st of December, our church has it's "Blue Christmas" service. Originally this service was really started for those people that don't find the holidays "holly" or "jolly." Each year more and more people come to the service and are simply looking for a different look at Christmas. A more reflective and serious look at the gift of hope that Christmas brings.
We need hope. We all do. And this service speaks to those of us that may be struggling with hope. It helps us first to know that it is okay to feel the way we do. And it also helps us to remember that we have so much to be hopeful for.
For as many tears that fall there are spirits lifted.
After the service there are "stations" that you can visit to help reflect even more on the holiday. One of these stations is a table filled with candles. You can light candles in memory of someone, in hope of something, for prayer, pretty much for whatever reason.
Last year I lit candles in honor of the D-OC and lit specific candles for those of you who asked. I am going to do that again.
If you would like me to light a candle and/or say a prayer for something, please let me know.
You can comment below, send me an email at ninjabetic@gmail.com, or send me a direct message on Twitter.
I promise to take all of these requests with me tomorrow night and will light a candle for every one.
If you have something that is heavy on your heart. If you are struggling with this holiday season and are feeling down. If this year has been difficult and you need some positive thoughts sent your way. For whatever reason you have, please don't hesitate to let me know. I will keep any emails or direct message completely confidential.
You are my family and friends and it would be an honor to be able to do this for you.
Reader Comments (7)
Thanks for this, George. It's times like this, when I'm reading your words and just thinking of your inspiration, that truly does give me hope and offers some happiness amid so much real-life headache and heartache. It's an honor knowing you. You will also be in our thoughts and prayers this Christmas season, like the rest of the DOC! Good luck with your annual Blue Christmas, my friend.
Love that your Church does this.....LOVE that you do.....xoxox LYLB
Hey George. If you don't mind me being selfish, I would love a prayer for my kids to have a safe and "healthy" year.
I appreciate it your doing this. You are a pretty amazing person to us all.
Hi George,
How beautiful of you. I believe deeply in the power of prayer to get us through all of these times. If you would send up a prayer for my daughter Grace, who is Type 1 and 8 years old. That she be healthy this year, that she feel she is supported and that she know that she has people around her who will help her through her journey. I would like to always hope that she feels she is not alone. Thank so much, Penny
G-
You are such a wonderful friend and important member of my family and I love you!
I would greatly appreciate a lit candle and any prayers of hope, gratitude, happiness, good health & love that you could spare!
LYLB!
I too appreciate that your church does this blue Christmas service.
I would ask that you light a candle in thanks for the DOC. We are all very lucky to have it.
George, just reading your blog alone lifted my spirits, reminding me I'm not alone in my struggles. If you could light a candle for Bill and I, and say a little prayer that we have a better year next year than Ed have had this year, and that Bills health gets stabilized, I would appreciate it. You are so blessed to have the enormous gift of always thinking of others...you are just too awesome. Love you.