The holidays can be a difficult time for those who are dealing with any loss, and any word about joy can seem, at first, especially difficult to withstand. Joy might indeed be elusive. But the phrase for the Psalmist, “joy comes in the morning” could also be “joy come in the mourning.” Joy is not about denying suffering, but rather embracing the depths of all of life’s emotions so that we feel the heights as well. Joy is possible when we understand suffering as a part of our call to compassion and love.
This “Blue Christmas” service allows for sacred grief and for a sparking of the flames of hope and gratitude. It is part of our Christmas and Advent series, “Heaven and Nature Sing: 300 Years of ‘Joy to the World.'” Pastor Mary’s message of hope is based on Psalm 30: 5b, Luke 2: 1-17, and John 19: 25b-27. To read it, click here.