Blue Christmas (eBook)

Not all Christmases are white; some are blue. In the weeks before Christmas, when many people are singing, socializing, and getting caught up in the whirl of celebrating, others are not. For many people, the Christmas season magnifies feelings of grief, loneliness, and despair. Blue Christmas is an honest devotional book that gives readers permission to name their feelings, sit with these experiences, and acknowledge what they have lost.

This book offers individuals and small groups 28 devotions for Advent and Christmas Day. It contains prayers and “Blue Christmas” worship services that give voice to the real experiences and feelings that many people are unable to name—feelings of grief, pain, brokenness, struggle, despair, or loneliness. Includes a discussion guide for groups.

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The Advent and Christmas season is often associated with joy, love, generosity, and unity. But for many people, this time of year magnifies loneliness, anxiety, grief, and despair. While others are enjoying celebrations with their friends and families, those who are hurting often feel even more lost, abandoned, and alone than ever. "e;Not all Christmases are white; some are blue,"e; Todd Outcalt writes. Blue Christmas is a devotional book for the 28 days of Advent and Christmas Day. Each devotion includes a scripture selection, meditation, prayer, and suggested Advent action. The book also features additional prayers, a "e;Blue Christmas"e; worship service, and reflection questions. In these honest devotions, readers will find their fears and realities named and brought into the light of God's love. They will be led to sit with their experiences, acknowledge their losses, and remember Jesus' promise "e;Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted."e;Blue Christmas reminds us that all of our Christmases, even the darkest ones, can be filled with honesty and hope if we are first willing to sit in silence and bring our deepest fears to God.