A Blue Christmas: Service designed for those who may be hurting at Christmas

For whatever reason – personal problems such as dealing with the recent death of a loved one or coping with a serious health condition, maybe the loss of a job – some people likely could do without all the hype and hoopla so often associated with the holiday season.

It is with these people in mind that Beacon Church holds its annual Blue Christmas service. (This year’s was held Dec. 23.)

The service is held in a small chapel that is part of the Beacon Church building but off to one side of the main sanctuary.

“We decided that we would try the service,” said Janet Sollows, chair of Beacon’s worship committee, recalling the decision to start the service about a decade ago. “It had been tried in other areas that we knew of.”

Conducted by Rev. Leslie Robinson, the service includes hymns, scripture reading and candle-lighting liturgy.

“It’s a very quiet, very solemn, but very meaningful service,” Sollows said, noting that while the format of the service is basically the same from year to year, the content changes.

The service is open to anyone who would like to attend, she said, adding that people need not worry about being asked what brought them there.

“If they want to share, that’s fine, but we’re not there to pry,” she said.

The response from those who attend the service has been positive, she said.

“The people who have come have said they appreciated it so much and it’s different people every year,” she said. “We feel that we’re serving a need.”

The service is brief, lasting a half-hour or so, and is followed by a little reception.

“It’s usually very quiet,” Sollows said. “Some people appreciate just getting together. There’s a special feeling of just… (she pauses a few seconds searching for the right word)…understanding.”

The service is not just for those who are grieving or facing some other personal crisis but for anybody who perhaps cannot get into the Christmas spirit, who may simply be stressed out over the frantic pace of the season.

And while the service may be a solemn occasion, Sollows notes that those who attend can take heart.

“There’s a message of hope,” she said, “that God cares for us in whatever circumstance we’re in.”