December 21st is the longest night of the year. Each year on this evening, my church has a service called the Blue Christmas service. The Blue Christmas service was started because so many people find that the holidays are not all “happy-go-lucky.” It’s a service to let those people know that it is okay to feel that way and that God is there for them. Even in their Valleys. He will see you through until you reach the mountaintops again.
Last year my little sister and I led the music for the service and we are doing the same this year. It was a very peaceful and comfortable place for those that needed it. I am so thankful that I belong to a church that recognizes that life is not all hunky dory and that even church goes lose hope and stumble in their faith.
One song that we will sing tonight is called “All that I can say” by David Crowder. I love the message in this song about how we try to do our best but sometimes we are just spent and empty. We all get there. Please read the words below and let them seek in.
Lord I'm tired, so tired from walking
And Lord I'm so alone
And Lord the dark is creeping in
It’s creeping up to swallow me
I think I'll stop & rest here a while
Chorus:
And this is all that I can say right now
And this is all that I can give
And didn't You see me cry'n?
And didn't You hear me call Your name?
Wasn't it You I gave my heart to?
I wish You'd remember where you sat it down
Chorus:
And this is all that I can say right now
And this is all that I can give
I didn't notice You were standing here
I didn't know that that was You holding me
I didn't notice You were cry'n too
I didn't know that that was You washing my feet
Chorus:
And this is all that I can say right now
And this is all that I can give
At the end of the service there are several stations that the congregation can visit to enhance their worship time. One is a candle lighting area where you can light a candle for a loved one or yourself. Almost like a mini memorial for someone who is hurting or someone who is no longer here.
A “burden rock” station where you can take a rock and squeeze it while you let go of all of your burdens and worries and then drop the rock into a basin of water. Sort of a symbolic “letting go” of your troubles. We have a small fountain running close to this station and the sound is very serene.
There is also a station where you can pray with a pastor one on one in a private room so it is totally confidential. I found this to be the most moving for me. I really just let go last year and felt a lot better afterward
The “manger station” has a wooden manger filled with strips of cloth. People are encouraged to take a strip of cloth with them and tie to the gear shift in their car or somewhere visible as a reminder that when God came to earth He was just a little baby swaddled in cloth. And that He is here for you always.
A communion station where you can receive communion which is very symbolic for most believers.
The Labyrinth Station is one that I try to visit often throughout the year. 
One of the teenaged members of our church built this Labyrinth as his Eagle Scout project. He of course had many members of his Troop help but it has turned into a very important part of our church. When you walk its path, you are encouraged to just empty your mind and allow your thoughts to trail off. I have experienced sorrow, clarity, laughter, hope, and peace during a walk on a Labyrinth.
The path is not a maze. It is a single path that has many twists and turns but always leads to the center and the path out is the same. It is very symbolic of life, “The path of life.” When there are others walking the Labyrinth with you, you are sometimes directly next to someone and then a quick turn can come and you will not see them for the rest of your walk. Also, you can be passed up or pass people on your path. All of these ideas came to me as I walked my first Labyrinth. If there is one near by you I would highly recommend it. Not only is it a great way to meditate but it is a nice walk. I should also mention that when you stand outside of the Labyrinth and watch people walk it, it looks almost like a dance. A very beautiful and graceful dance.
My church tries to create an environment where we can worship with our complete bodies. When you can not only worship with your heart but also your entire being, you tend to experience it more often throughout the day. At least for me it helps.
I am going to think about the OC a lot tonight and about all of the struggles and trials we all face. Regardless of your beliefs, please know that tonight I will be praying that each of you has a night filled with peace.
Sincerely,
George
Sunday, December 31, 2006 at 4:00PM 
And I'll type at ya next year! ;)
