THERE IS AN UPDATED 2023 VERSION OF THIS BLOG ENTRY - SEE MY ARCHIVE LIST AT LEFT.
Bible readings: Isaiah 9:2,6-7, Isaiah 4o:8-9, John 1:4-5, Luke 2:1-20, Psalm 121,
Theme: For those who find celebrating difficult
About the Image:
This image comes from www.visualparadox.com - a great site for images.
Reading: Into this Silent Night
From Kneeling in Bethlehem by Ann Weems, Westminster John Knox Press,
Story: King of Kings
By Susan Hill and John Lawrence, Walker Books , 1993, ISBN 0744543266 (pictured at left). Although this is a children's book it makes a lovely reflection for adults.
Prayer for Others: When the World was Dark
From Cloth for the Cradle by Wild Goose Worship Group, Wild Goose Publications, 1997, ISBN 1901557014, page 92 (pictured in an earlier blog). I projected the words of this prayer with matching images and the music of Pie Jesu by Sarah Brightman and Paul Miles-Kingston on Andrew Llyod Webber's album, Gold (pictured on an earlier blog)
Listening Song: Immanuel
By Michael Card on his CD, The Final Word.
Listening Song: Vespura
By Aled on his album, Aled Jones (pictured at right).
Response Activity: Taper Lighting
Light the Christ candle somewhere near the beginning of the service and then throughout the service give a number of opportunities for people to light a taper in response to the following:
1. In memory of a loved one who had died
2. To acknowledge a loss - any kind of loss, not just a death
3. In thankfulness for family and/or friends
4. To acknowledge the hope that the birth of Jesus gives to each one of us.
Story: King of Kings
By Susan Hill and John Lawrence, Walker Books , 1993, ISBN 0744543266 (pictured at left). Although this is a children's book it makes a lovely reflection for adults.
Prayer for Others: When the World was Dark
From Cloth for the Cradle by Wild Goose Worship Group, Wild Goose Publications, 1997, ISBN 1901557014, page 92 (pictured in an earlier blog). I projected the words of this prayer with matching images and the music of Pie Jesu by Sarah Brightman and Paul Miles-Kingston on Andrew Llyod Webber's album, Gold (pictured on an earlier blog)
Listening Song: Immanuel
By Michael Card on his CD, The Final Word.
Listening Song: Vespura
By Aled on his album, Aled Jones (pictured at right).
Response Activity: Taper Lighting
Light the Christ candle somewhere near the beginning of the service and then throughout the service give a number of opportunities for people to light a taper in response to the following:
1. In memory of a loved one who had died
2. To acknowledge a loss - any kind of loss, not just a death
3. In thankfulness for family and/or friends
4. To acknowledge the hope that the birth of Jesus gives to each one of us. 
2 comments:
As we're considering having a Blue Christmas service, your posting has sparked ideas. Thank you.
I'm glad there is more attentiveness to the sadness many feel at Christmastime. There's nothing more isolating than feeling sad when everyone else is so joyful. Thank you for helping us learn how to reach out more effectively.
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