Join us at Christ Church Cathedral on Monday, 21 December, at 7:00 p.m. for a Blue Christmas.
Visit the Cathedral Signup or contact the Cathedral office Monday to Friday, 9:00 - 12 Noon, to reserve your spot.
T
he idea of a “Blue Christmas” may be new to you. Behind it is the intention to provide a quiet, contemplative time of worship as an alternative to the more traditional gatherings at this time of year as a way to care for those who are sad or struggling while all around us are getting caught up in Christmas celebration.
In the northern hemisphere, these worship opportunities are also known as prayers on “the Longest Night.” Both tend to be held around 21–22 December -- the winter solstice when the earth tips farthest away from the sun and evening creeps in as early as it ever does.
We acknowledge many during this season who are struggling with different kinds of pain and loss at the moment. Whether this year you’re feeling the loss of a loved one, separation from family due to pandemic restrictions or other reasons, the holidays in any number of ways are going to be especially challenging this year, or if you would like to be part of an effort to prayerfully support those who are feeling this way, the Blue Christmas is for you. Many in our local community are saying they are just ‘not feeling very Christmassy’ this year.
Behind it is the intention to provide a quiet, contemplative time of worship
On the evening of December 21st, we’ll quietly recognize the coming of the baby in the manger, a fact of history. The incarnate One can easily be dismissed as irrelevant especially when our hearts are heavy. But most especially we’ll consider the way the God of love comes too in the midst of the mess and pain we know in our everyday lives and the lives of those around us.
