Many bereaved people find Christmas unbearably difficult. Where all around are enforcing celebration and good cheer to all people, those who mourn can feel shut out and excluded. Why not as a church consider holding a service such as ‘Blue Christmas’ or ‘Longest Night service’ on the 22 December or thereabouts, which provides a space in church for those who mourn to come to the crib. A simple service with carols and the opportunity to place a candle at the crib scene, it acknowledges the pain that so many feel. In one church where this was held, one person leaving simply said ‘That was Christmas for me’ – an acknowledgement that part of its meaning is that sadness can be kept present but met with hope. Read about this service in Articles
Order of service we used for the Longest Night service download
Mary Hawes
