While Advent and Christmas are immovable fixtures of our church calendar, other services represent newer additions. One such example is evident in parish churches embracing ‘Blue Christmas’.
Aligned to the values underpinning the likes of All Souls’ Day and Remembrance in November, an increasing number of church communities are choosing to hold events in December inviting parishioners to reflect on those they have lost or the challenges in life which stir negative emotions.
St Nicholas Church in Bradwell and St Faith’s in Gaywood are among the churches within our Diocese to have held services dedicated to reflections on grief and loss this Advent.
The former has installed a display of blue ribbons in the churchyard, along with an open invitation for anyone in the community struggling this Christmas to tie another ribbon to the tree-shaped structure.
Revd Steve Deall, Rector for the Bradwell Benefice, said: “Here at St Nicholas we understand that Christmas can be a painful time for some. It may be the first Christmas without a loved family member who has recently died; it may be a time that has always been difficult. You are invited to tie a blue ribbon as a sign that they are remembered with love.”
Blue Christmas is not only uniting existing church communities, but bringing together individuals of varying denominations. Discussing the collaborative approach taken in her parish, Revd Kyla Sørensen, Team Rector at St Faith’s Gaywood LEP, said:
“Our Blue Christmas service is an ecumenical partnership with the Cornerstone King’s Lynn Baptist Church. We hold it annually for those who find it difficult at this time of year. It is a safe and gentle space for anyone who is struggling to come and just be. We come together to pray, reflect and reconnect with the message that God will keep us at Christmas and beyond.”
To see whether your local church is holding a Blue Christmas event during Advent 2024, check their A Church Near You page, website, social media account or parish notice board.