Light a Candle
Tuesday, December 20, 2011 at 12:08PM 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. This time of year can be difficult. We are expected to be in the “holiday spirit” when things may not feel right. Money is tight, work is scarce, tensions are high, people are missed, relationships are missed, people hurt, and all the while the stocking are hung, the tree is lit, and there are cards in the mail.
Sometimes Christmas is not merry.
The Blue Christmas service is for those who feel the way I described but also for those who want to reflect on the Christmas gift of hope in a new way.
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.
The music is all acoustic, the lyrics of the songs are moving, and the space we hold the service in is small and intimate.
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, for whatever you want.
For the last two years I have lit candles in honor of the D-OC and lit specific candles for those of you who asked. It was a blessing for me to be able to spend that time lighting those candles one by one and praying about whomever and whatever was asked. I hope that you will let me do that for you again this year.
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 single one. Even if it takes all night.
So, 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 (11)
Thanks for continually lighting a candle for those of us who need it. If you could please light a candle in my mom marjory's memory and one for me, I'd really appreciate it.
Here's wishing you, your family and everyone you love a merry Christmas and a happy and healthy 2012.
Love you heaps!
Kelly
What a beautiful tradition. I would love to be able to attend, and can only imagine how moving the experience must be.
My MIL passed away a week or so ago. I've been married to her son for 11 years, but only met her once -- and that was just this past summer. Many unspoken words and broken hearts have been left behind. It is our family's prayer that she is now free from addiction and we hope to witness earthly family bonds in her memory that continue to grow for generations to come.
I remember this now from years' past, but hadn't until I saw your post. George, this is so special and needed. Thank you for taking the time to light a candle and pray for those who need it.
Just when I think that I couldn't possibly love or admire you more, you post something like this. You are one very amazing man and I am honored to know you. I just cannot wait to meet you one day! :)
Hi G! I love this! thank you for thinking of the community. Please light a candle for me and my family.
Thanks, George. I have a request. Can you please pray for Bill, and his health...and that our marriage stay strong and weather this storm that has hit us? I <3 you.
Will you please light a candle for me. This is my first Christmas with diabetes, and a person can never get too many prayers. Thank you :)
That is so beautiful of you. Thank you.
If I could ask with all faith that you light a candle for me. My request is unwavering and my prayer is constant. Please lead Earl back to me as soon as possible. I need God to hear my voice louder than ever possible. Thank you.
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