A ‘Blue Christmas’ at Maze Presbyterian Church this year

Alongside the usual Carol Services and family service, they have planned a Blue Christmas Service on Sunday December 13 at 6.30pm.

“After the current lockdown, in-person worship is scheduled to resume on December 13, as per the directives of the Stormont Executive,” explained the Very Rev Dr William Henry from Maze Presbyterian Church.

“The basic idea is that many people will be feeling “blue” rather than hyped for the season.

“We believe this is always relevant for those who struggle with life but particularly so, this year as people have endured the trauma of Covid-19.

“Everyone has felt some aspect of the isolation that the virus has wrecked, many have had to deal with the financial insecurity and fear that will unravel in the months ahead, and others have experienced the personal grief of losing loved ones to the illness.

“Of course, these sentiments are not solely related to Covid, but to all of life and is something people need to work through emotionally.

“Those of us feeling a little blue at this time of year can feel edged out and forgotten as everyone else seems caught up in the mad frenzy of their own preparations and celebrations.

“We hope that folk can reflect and as they think about the Christmas message, they will find comfort and hope in knowing that they are not alone

“So we at Maze Presbyterian Church have organised a special service for those who find Christmas a hard time of year because of loss, pain or loneliness.

“This will be a meditative service with readings and video which will not be live streamed for privacy reasons.

“There will be a variety of music to listen to but no singing, there will be some Bible readings and a narration.

“We’ll light some candles on a traditional Advent Wreath and spend time in prayer and silent reflection.

“This is for those who don’t really feel very much like celebrating. Somewhere to come if the idea that a Merry Little Christmas is all you need for your troubles to be gone has a decidedly hollow ring to it.

“We hope that those who attend will find these few moments a safe place to be transparent with themselves and with God, a safe place where you can admit that maybe you’re not ok at the moment, that maybe what you’re really feeling is sad, discouraged, or even angry. This is a place for you to be real with your struggles and your questions.”

Find out more at www.mazepc.org.