Blue Christmas at Cathedral of Christ the Light 2021

A Service of Reflection for the Longest Night

Tuesday, 21 December at 5.30 pm

“Blue Christmas” recognizes that December 21st, the Winter Solstice, is the shortest day, and the longest night of the year. It also recognizes that this season, full for many with holidays and rejoicing, can be hard for those who mourn and for those going through painful passages in their lives. The heartache of broken relationships, the insecurity of unemployment, the weariness of ill health, the pain of isolation, the agonizing loss of a child, the emptiness of no longer having a partner to share each day, the loss of a dear family pet, the fear of separation or an uncertain future—all these can leave us feeling alone and “blue” in the midst of a world which seems bent on “being merry,” on happiness and celebration.

The song “Blue Christmas” became popular in part because it acknowledges the experience of feeling sad and missing loved ones during the holidays. For some, Christmas Day is the most difficult. For others, it may be Christmas Eve, or New Year’s Eve, or the prospect of another year stretching ahead into an uncertain future. In this season of giving, some of us may feel we have nothing left to give. Some of us have no one with whom to exchange gifts. Being surrounded by togetherness and celebration sharpens our sorrow and intensifies our loneliness.

It’s at such times that we need to make the space and take the time to acknowledge our sadness and our burdens, to seek comfort and to remember we are not alone. For these reasons, The Cathedral of Christ the Light invites you to come and join us on Tuesday, December 21st at 5.30 pm for “Blue Christmas: A Service of Reflection for the Longest Night” On this Winter Solstice, the longest night of the year, we acknowledge through quiet music, prayer, and scripture, that God’s presence and loving Spirit is for those who mourn and those who struggle, and that even in great darkness there can be light.

Everyone is welcome to this brief service, regardless of religious background (or lack of it). Please invite others who may be blue.