Christmas is a holy time – for Christians a time to remember that God chose not to come to the rich and famous but to the ordinary. And in the middle of the night!

However, Christmas is not always a happy time.

It brings up so many memories from the past that can heighten feelings of grief or sadness, pain or loneliness.
It makes noticeable things that are missing since last Christmas. Our loved ones who died this year seem fill our heart more often. A change in finances can make it feel like only debt is under the tree this year. The distance to home (whether geographical or emotional) seems to grow further in December.

For any of these reasons, and for so many more, Christmas can hurt.

In those times it is crucial to hear again the Christmas story: God chose to live a human life out of deep love. God chooses to live among us – still today. And in the middle of the sad, hard times!

Here at R-W we are offering a “Blue Christmas” service for all for whom Christmas comes with pain. We will mark this season’s holy message with quiet music, scripture, silence and candle light. We invite you to hear the story this year in community, in quiet reflection and peace.
You will not be forced to say “Merry, Merry” or sing “Joy to the World”. We hope that this service will bring a sense of peace in this season of so many emotions. This service is for all people. There will be a space for children to play, accessible seating and music.