One of the churches where I sometimes help out had its "Quiet Christmas" service this week. It's for people who want to have space not to have to be jolly at Christmas.
The service, which is midweek and mid afternoon, is very well attended. Many of the people who go will be with their families on Christmas Day and will rejoice and laugh with children but they will be very aware that someone special won't be there with them.
As we get older Christmas can become more poignant. There may have been bereavements during the year, we may have been bereaved at Christmas. There can be separations because someone we love is somewhere else, maybe because they have moved away, or there has been a family rift. There are so many reasons that we have to celebrate Christmas without the person we would most like to share with.
If this is you, you are in my prayers. May you receive the blessings of Christmas
The Hospice Service in Norwich Cathedral was very moving. Such occasions are important and helpful ❤️🙏
ReplyDeleteI went to one of these services the Christmas after Colin died, I went with sister in law and wished I'd have gone alone. It didn't make me feel any better - just angrier
ReplyDeleteFinally. Some honesty.
DeleteI'm really sorry, Sue. Take care.
DeleteI am grieving at the moment my husband is slowly dying we would have been married 60years next Easter thank you for your prayers Marie in Horsham Australia
ReplyDeleteThank you Marie. Praying for both of you.
DeleteI really like this idea. There are times that quite a few of us just don't feel that Christmassy. It usually hits me Christmas Day when I look at our sons and really wish our daughter was here as well.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
So many people are hurting. God bless you, too.
DeleteThank you for those thoughts. Sometimes it is hard keeping up the 'happy face'
ReplyDelete