Second Tuesday of Advent

Amidst all the ho-ho-hos and jolly jollies on the radio in December, there are some pretty somber songs, too. You know, like “I’ll be home for Christmas—but only in my dreams” and “I wish I had a river I could skate away on.” And no wonder, there is a lot to be somber and sad about. All you have to do is open the newspaper.  For too many, all we have to do is look at our own situations.  

It’s ok to feel sadness at Christmas. Don’t try to paper it over.  It turns out you are not alone—even the original Christmas story is filled with fear and flight (read the 2nd chapter of the Gospel of Matthew and imagine yourselves to be Jesus’ parents).  Jesus has gone before us in painful situations. And it turns out “Blue Christmas” is not just a sad Christmas song; it is also a name given to special Advent services specifically for those who are sad, grieving or depressed. Just type in your browser search bar, “blue christmas church service near me”.  And make a decision to go and be still before the God who has gone before us in grief.