Mon. 10 Jan. 2022
Reflections on the Season
Ned Thompson
These are some of my reflections as we enter the long dark days of winter, that are even more complicated by the isolating Coronavirus and cacophony of current events.
For those of you who have not experienced a Blue Christmas Service, it is very moving and powerful. Obviously built around the Holidays, the message has year round staying power.
Reverend Anne led us through this remarkably uplifting evening service complimented by a host of musicians and readers. It starts with Maya Angelou’s prayer, aptly called ‘A Prayer’;
Lord, thank you for your presence during the hard and mean days.
For then we have you to lean upon. Thank you for your presence during the bright and sunny days, for then we can share that which we have with those who have less.
And thank you for your presence during the Holy Days, for then we are able too celebrate you and our families and friends.
For those who have no voice, we ask you to speak. For those who feel unworthy, we ask you to pour your love out in waterfalls of tenderness.
For those who live in pain, we ask you to bathe them in the River of your healing.
For those who are lonely, we ask you to keep them company. For those who are depressed, we ask you to shower upon the the light of hope.
Dear Creator, You, the borderless sea of substance, we ask you to give to all the world that which we need most—Peace.
Next and central to the service are four points which are represented by the lighting of candles. The points are gently paraphrased, as follows;
• First candle is lit to remember those we have loved and lost.
• Second candle is lit to remember the pain of loss: the loss of relationships, the loss of jobs…the loss of health, loss of joy and peace from the stresses which surround us.
• Third candle is lit for those who have experienced a loss of direction in their lives.
• Fourth candle is lit as a sign of hope offered to us in the Christmas story.
Then the back of the program included the following;
Honoring Grief
Honoring the dark and light
Be direct with people about what is going on for you.
Make a new tradition.
Let someone in who understands and accepts that your mood does not match the cheerful decor of the season.
Have an exit strategy so that you can leave events when you need to.
Find a grief group.
Know that it’s okay to cry.
Carry out a ritual.
Dedicate your gift(s).
Give back to others in need through volunteer service.
Practice self-care.
Today’s cacophony has made it evermore important to reach out to family, friends, neighbors, acquaintances and anyone who could use a smile and a warm thought. Let your humanity shine through…