[Ep 42] Offering a Blue Christmas Service to Honor the Loss and Cling to the Hope

A couple of weeks ago, we talked about the tension of experiencing grief and heartache in a season of celebration, how it can be hard to hold those two things together in a way that feels authentic and true. And I gave you three truths to hold onto when it came to going through a difficult holiday season of your own.  But today we're talking about difficult holidays from a different angle, and that is, how do we support those in our churches and communities who are grieving this holiday season? How do we acknowledge their loss even amid the festivities? And one thing that I have seen to be so incredibly helpful is offering a Blue Christmas service, or sometimes called the Longest Night Worship Service. A Blue Christmas service offers people a sacred space to not only remember their loved ones who have passed, but also to name their losses and griefs from the previous year. It is a refuge, of sorts. A way to acknowledge that they are not alone in the midst of their hurt. That others are hurting, too. It's about making space for the sadness that is already there. Naming it. Honoring it, even. Taking it to Christ. And yes, remembering the hope we have in Him. It can be so incredibly powerful for someone who is grieving or going through a difficult season. So in today's episode, I want to walk you through some basic parts of a Blue Christmas service and then offer you a free resource to help you plan your own. Kari   GET THE BLUE CHRISTMAS PLANNING GUIDE: www.lovedoesthat.org/bluechristmas SHOP OUR THANKSGIVING FUNDRAISER (November 15-30, 2021) We'll donate 15% of all sales to local non-profit, Love INC. Plus, you'll be entered to win our digital prize pack. www.lovedoesthat.org/shop DON'T WANT TO GO THROUGH THE HOLIDAYS ALONE? I'd be honored to walk with you through a difficult holiday season and help you attune yourself to God's presence and work in your life. www.lovedoesthat.org/spiritualdirection/ ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Advent Resource: When Your Silent Night Feels Empty Creative Little Church: Blue Christmas Pack Episode 9: Supporting a Friend Through Grief (And Walking Through It Yourself) with Karen Altizer Episode 38: 3 Truths to Remember During a Difficult Holiday Season