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Free-Church Liturgy: Blue Christmas

What is a Blue Christmas Service?

Blue Christmas services are a growing trend in the Church. Also known as "Longest-Night," these services are intended for people who are not feeling particularly jolly as the Christmas Season approaches. Some services are targeted specifically at those who are mourning a death. The service I put together (from various sources across the internet, and some of my own ideas) is intended to be open to anyone who is mourning, whether it's a death or a broken relationship, lost job, etc. This can be an incredibly powerful service, with tons of opportunity to minister to people. 

What you need for this service

  • The leader book
    • This service is mostly read, so use this document in a binder to lead.
  • The booklet
    • Rather than using a projector, we used a booklet with all of the words in it. This allowed people to follow along without being forced to look up if they are not comfortable doing so.
  • A pianist
    • This service requires background music to be most effective. I created an outline for my pianist, here.
    • You will also need music for the Christmas Hymns in the liturgy. They are pretty common songs.
  • Candles
    • Four mourning candles--tall blue candles in a candelabra or advent wreath.
    • One Christ candle--a tall white candle at the center of your candelabra or advent wreath.
    • Tea candles--enough tea candles for every attendee to get one.
  • Volunteers
    • Have volunteers prepared who are comfortable and capable praying with and comforting people who need care during the service. 

Basic Structure of the Service

  • Opening Section
    • Here we read a poem, sing a carol, and read a psalm. The purpose here to set the tone and let everyone know we are going to stare our sorrow straight in the face.
  • Lighting the Candelabra
    • This gives people a chance to acknowledge the reason they are there--the grief that brings them to the service, and the hope that they can find in Jesus.
  • Homily
    • A short message that encourages people to give their burdens to Christ.
  • Lighting the Prayer Candles
    • Each participant is invited to light their tea candle on the Christ candle and leave it on the table as a sing of giving their burdens to Christ. Then we pray together as a congregation.
That's it. I hope this helps! If you have any questions or suggestions, leave them in the comments below. 
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