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.

Comments

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