Last nights Blue Christmas service was great. It was a little different this year because we usually have our Youth and Family Minister lead it and he left out church earlier in the year. My sister, my best friend, and I lead the service instead. Normally we just sing and play the music.
The service went well and I really enjoyed having us lead all of the Meditations, Scripture Readings, and Prayers. The flow of it all was much more organic.
I started snapping some pictures after the service was over so I could share some of the different stations we set up around our church. I thought I would share those with you here and expand a little on each one because they all provide a lot of comfort and hope.
Candle Lighting Area – This is actually the altar we set up in our small chapel. When the service starts there are only a few candles lit to provide a little light. Most of what you see here are representative of the prayers someone said as they lit them. I was blessed to have a long list of prayers. I lit a candle for every prayer I was asked to give. Those prayers caused many tears to be shed but it also felt good. There were candles lying around you could pick up and use to light another for someone you love, for yourself, for a prayer, or whatever you like.
Burden Rocks – This station has a fountain running throughout the service. On the table are several rocks you can take and hold in your hand. I like to squeeze it as hard as I can to symbolize the pain in my life. I pour into that rock all the hurts me and then I drop into a basin of water below the table. I ask God to wash it all away. Everyone does it their own way when they feel the need. Nothing is required. Everything is open for you to experience or to not if you so choose.
The Manger – My son still has the strip of cloth he brought home from the first Blue Christmas service he attended. The Manger has strips of cloth in it for everyone to take. The cloth is a reminder of Christ coming to earth as a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths. Strips of cloth can remind us of the hope we have in Him.
Journaling – Just a few tables with pens, markers, paper, and crayons for drawing, writing, or whatever you want to do. I always end up drawing a picture of whatever is on my heart. I drew a Treble Clef sign, a cross, and a tree. Not sure what it all means but it is just what I felt at the time.
Labyrinth – Before I step into the labyrinth I ask God to fill my mind with whatever he wants me to have there and to leave all my stuff behind. With each turn and step I take I let my mind go. I have found myself laughing at memories or thoughts that pop into my head and crying about things in my past I want to forget about. The walk is a symbol of my life. Ups and down and twists and turns. All the while God knows where I am going and is watching over me.
Communion and Prayer – We leave our sanctuary open with communion waiting for you on the altar if you want it. Just sitting in the pews with only the cross illuminated is moving enough. Sitting and reflecting on God in your time and in your way is powerful. This is one station I spend a lot of time in.
Our pastor also sits in a room for individual prayer with whomever chooses to be prayed for.
Last night had the most attendees we have ever had. That both makes me happy and sad at the same time. Happy that this service can be there for them but sad that so many more need it.
I have told our church council that I do not care how many people show up. To me it is worth it all for even one person. That is the right thing to do.
I think that is what God wants me to do.
I know it is.
Friday, December 30, 2011 at 7:46AM 
