On that day the announcement to Jerusalem will be, “Cheer up, Zion! Don’t be afraid!  For the Lord your God is living among you.   He is a mighty Saviour. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” (Zephaniah 3:16-17)

These verses were quoted by my friend Emile Schmid at last night’s Blue Christmas service hosted by our Clergy Fellowship and sponsored by the funeral homes in Port Colborne, Ontario.

To the best of my knowledge the term “Blue Christmas” became part of the vernacular courtesy of one Elvis Presley who sang:

“I’ll have a Blue Christmas without you,
I’ll be so blue just thinking about you,
Decorations of red on a green Christmas tree
Won’t be the same dear, if you’re not here with me…”

Although the song is about one who longs for the presence of a lover (who is still alive), a Blue Christmas service is aimed at those who experience the absence of a loved one due to death.

Last night’s service was very simple.

A few carols. A few readings. A short reflection.

An opportunity for families to light a candle in memory of their loved one.

Followed by a time of refreshments and fellowship.

Many tears were shed.

Many laughs shared in between sips of coffee, tea and juice.

Many hugs exchanged.

Much comfort offered and received.

It was an acknowledgment that Christmas is a time of joy and celebration for most, but not for all. It is marked by intense emotional pain for those are still walking through the valley of grief.

Emile reminded us that God is among us as we grieve. That Jesus walks with us on this journey. That the Father loves us. He calms our fears. He sings over us. The Holy Spirit brings healing for the grieving.

Judging by the response, it turned out to be a necessary “service” indeed!

Perhaps this is shaping up to be a Blue Christmas for some of you, our beloved subscribers.

Your loss may indeed be as a result of the death of a loved one.

Or it could be the end of a marriage or other significant relationship, the loss of a job or business, health, mobility, independence or ability.

May the Holy Spirit use Emile’s reminders to bring you peace and comfort this Christmas.

On the other hand, this may not be a Blue Christmas for you, but let me make a bold prediction.

Every one of you is acquainted with at least one person who has suffered a significant loss between last Christmas and now.

Go ahead, make your list right now. (It is longer than you’d thought, eh?)

Would you relay the message of Zephaniah 3:16-17 to each and every one on the list? To paraphrase St. Francis of Assisi: “Use words if necessary.”

I hope and pray that the Holy Spirit will use you to bless someone who is facing A Blue Christmas this year.

And you too will be performing a necessary service!