Blue Christmas Saturday, December 18, 2010, 3:30 p.m.

The sights and sounds of the joy of the Christmas season can heighten the loneliness of someone anticipating a difficult Christmas.  While for most of us Christmas is a time of joy, for some of us it can be a time of great pain.  In may be the first Christmas after a loved one's death, a divorce, the loss of a job, or some other life changing event.  Or it may be a time that is always difficult.

For those of us who feel pain during the Christmas season, the ever-present signs and sound of the holiday season serve as constant reminders of what we have lost or never had.  They may highten our feelings of estrangement from others and from our faith.

As the days shorten, and the outward signs of the holiday heighten, we may need a break -- a time and space to acknowledge our sadness and concern.  We may need to know that we are not alone.

On Saturday, December 18, at 3:30 p.m. Overbrook will hold a special Christmas service in the Parlor to acknowledge that God's presence is for those who mourn and for those who struggle.

If you or an aquaintance anticipates a "blue" Christmas, please accept our invitation to attend this special service.  This short service will include prayers, scriptures, quiet music, and God's message of consoling presence and hope.  Everyone, regardless of church background (or lack of it) is invited.

This Blue Christmas service is part of Overbrook's Stephen Ministry program.