For some, Christmas isn’t so merry.
The Rev. Amy Welin, of Christ Episcopal Church of Ansonia, knows that holidays can remind people of what they’ve lost – a loved one, a pet, their health, or this year in particular, their job.
That’s why her church has teamed up with Masonicare Home Health & Hospice to host a blue Christmas service this weekend.
It’s a time, Welin said, to acknowledge the sadness and loneliness that some people are struggling with this season.
“We’re not all the Waltons you know. This season is not as carefree as we like to pretend it is,” she said.
She added that the downhearted may feel alienated at a regular, upbeat holiday program, which is why she felt called to offer the blue Christmas service this year.
The service, which will be at 5 p.m. at 56 South Cliff Street, will include a message, hymns, the lighting of the Advent wreath, and prayers.
“We’re praying for healing, for the gift of remembrance and we’re asking for the redemption of loss…” she said. “We’re acknowledging that we have pains from the past, but we’re asking God to give us peace.”
She said she will speak briefly about the birth of Jesus, adding that the Christmas story isn’t a happy-go-lucky narrative.
“Here we have a young woman who’s not married. Her fiancée learns she’s pregnant and he’s not the father. They don’t have any money and have the child in a stable. Very shortly after, they have to leave their home because the life of the child is threatened,” she said. “God comes into this world in the in the most terrible circumstances and promises us we’re not alone, even when life is terrible.”
Jean Morris, a spiritual care coordinator with Masoniccare, will be speaking at the service. She said Christmas can be a stumbling block for those who may in a grieving cycle and hopes the service will offer hope to those individuals.
“What I wish for someone (who attends), is that they could somehow feel spiritually connected and nurtured even in the context of their grief and sadness,” she said.
The Christmas season, Morris added, is a time for one to embrace their sorrow, not deny it.
The service will be followed with refreshments and fellowship. In case of inclement weather, call the church office at (203) 734‑2715.
Tracy Simmons publishes Creedible.com, a Connecticut religious news site.
