Bringing Comfort and Hope through a Blue Christmas Service

It’s important to remember that not everyone feels joyous during the Christmas season. By hosting a service like this, faith communities acknowledge and support those who find the season particularly hard, offering them a place of peace, encouragement and hope. 

Many individuals in our congregations and communities find Christmas challenging. This may be due to feelings of loneliness, the loss of a loved one, separation or divorce, unemployment, living with illnesses that bring uncertainty about the future, and other challenging circumstances.

We talk about ‘feeling blue’ to denote sadness. In a Blue Christmas service, people can come as they are, with all their feelings of sadness or grief, and find solace in knowing they are not alone. The service typically has quieter music, subdued lighting and a calm, serene environment – offering a contrast with the festive nature of other seasonal activities. 

It provides a safe space that explicitly acknowledges the pain and struggles that many face during this season. While recognising this pain, the service also aims to offer a message of hope, reminding participants of God's presence and love even in difficult times.

Scriptures, prayers, and readings that address themes of comfort, hope and healing are commonly included. It can also include an opportunity for attendees to share their feelings, memories or stories, fostering a sense of community and support. 

Lighting candles or using other symbolic actions can provide a visual and participatory element to the service, representing the light of hope in times of darkness.

Some choose to hold their Blue Christmas service on the longest night of the year, around 21 December, which coincides with the Winter Solstice. This timing symbolises the return of light after the darkest period, touching on themes of hope and renewal. This date also traditionally marks the feast day of St Thomas the Apostle, allowing us to draw connections between Thomas' doubt about Jesus' resurrection, the long nights before Christmas, and the darkness and grief experienced by those dealing with loss.

A Blue Christmas service can offer a supportive experience for those who need it most. The contemplative environment can give comfort, hope and a sense of community. 

Embrace the true spirit of Advent by extending grace and fellowship and help make the season more meaningful for everyone in your community.

Whenever you choose to hold your Blue Christmas Advent Service, Mothers' Union has produced a service outline, available with or without the Eucharist, for you to use. This service is an opportunity for you to welcome people into the Mothers’ Union community, a community built on faith and fellowship. 

Service outlines can be found in the resource section here.