BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — CHRISTMAS CAN BE CHALLENGING for people who have faced the death of a loved one, or other loss or sadness. Many Christian parishes in the Western liturgical traditions, including Episcopal, Lutheran, United Methodist, Moravian and Reformed churches offer Blue Christmas services for those dealing with sadness, giving participants the opportunity to express their grief and heartbreak.
The service is also appropriate for those who seek healing from sad Christmas memories or alienation from family or relationships. The liturgy aims to send the message that grief is best shared in community rather than alone and allows people to acknowledge difficult feelings, according to a flyer for the service on Grace Church’s website. Blue Christmas services have traditionally been held on or near the longest night of the year — the winter solstice, Dec. 21, which is also the feast day of St. Thomas the Apostle. Grace Church Brooklyn Heights (254 will hold a Blue Christmas service this Sunday, Dec. 14, at 5 p.m., with meditative prayers, readings, music and reflections.
The Blue Christmas service dates back several decades in the U.S.
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