December 16, 7:00pm: Blue Christmas Worship Service: The holidays can be very difficult for those who have experienced loss, are struggling with health issues, or a number of other reasons. This year is even more difficult because of the pandemic. Blue Christmas is a time to gather together in hope and comfort, and to know we are not alone.
Blue Christmas Worship Service: December 16
Trinity UMC Milford on Vimeo.
Blue Christmas Service December 16, 2021
Meditation “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon
you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is
easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
Prelude -Lindsey Pertuset
Welcome
Call to Worship
Leader: In the midst of festivities, holiday cheer, and bright lights, we feel the weight of grief, loss, and sadness.
People: Come, God of power and light, help us.
Leader: In the midst of gatherings, we feel alone.
People: Come, God of peace and hope, comfort us.
Leader: In the midst of celebration, our hearts cry out.
People: Lord, hear us and come to us. Bring us your peace. Amen.
Song of Comfort #377 It is Well with My Soul, v. 1 & 4
Opening Prayer
God of mercy, hear our prayer in this Advent season for ourselves and our families who live with painful memories of loss and painful experiences here and now. We ask for strength for today, courage for tomorrow, and peace for the past. We ask these things in the name of Jesus Christ, who shares our life in joy and in sorrow, death and new birth, despair and promise. Amen.
Song of Christmas #230 O Little Town of Bethlehem, v. 1 & 4
Scripture Psalm 121—Responsive
Leader: I will lift up mine eyes to the hills. From where does my help come?
All: My help comes from God who made heaven and earth.
Leader: God will not suffer your foot to be moved. The One who keeps you will not slumber.
All: Behold the One who keeps Israel shall not slumber or sleep.
Leader: The Holy One is your keeper. The Holy One is your shade on your right hand.
All: The sun shall not hurt you by day nor the moon by night.
Leader: Our God shall preserve you from all evil and shall preserve your soul.
All: Our God shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth and even for evermore.
Song of Comfort #528 Nearer, My God to Thee, v. 1 & 4
Scripture Reading 2 Corinthians 1:3-11
Reflection Pastor Kirk Peterson
Litany of Light
Leader: We light this candle of LOVE for all those who have passed from this world into the next. We remember, in particular, those whom we have loved and lost. We pause to remember their names, their faces, their voices, the memories that bind them to us in this season.
All: May God’s eternal love surround them.
[Moment of silent reflection]
Leader: We light this candle of PEACE to redeem the pain of loss: the loss of relationships, the loss of jobs, the loss of health, the loss of hopes and dreams. We pause to gather up the pain of the past. We offer it to God, asking that from God’s hands we would receive the gift of peace.
All: Refresh, restore, renew us, O God, grant us the peace that passes understanding, and lead us into your future.
[Moment of silent reflection]
Leader: We light this candle of JOY today knowing it is a challenging one. We pause and remember these past weeks and months: the disbelief, the anger, the sadness, the loss, the fear, all mixed with support, growth, new opportunities, beauty, laughter, comfort, and family and friends, all those who stand with us. When happiness is fleeting, ground us in a deeper joy that comes from you. We give thanks for all we have received, especially in a season of losses.
All: Let us remember with joy that light defeats darkness.
[Moment of silent reflection]
Leader: We light this candle of HOPE for all that the Christmas story offers. We remember that God, who shares in our life and in our suffering, promises us a time where there will be no more pain and suffering. Knowing that Christ is with us, we hold onto the Hope of a better tomorrow.
All: We thank God for the gift of Jesus Christ, light of the world, who shows us the way through the darkness, and goes with us into all our tomorrows.
[Moment of silent reflection]
Song of Comfort #130 God Will Take Care of You, v. 1 & 4
Prayer and Thanksgiving over the Oil
Candle Lighting and Anointing with Oil
You are invited to come forward and light a candle of hope. Those who wish to be anointed with oil are invited to come forward. You may briefly share your prayer request. The sign of the cross will be made on your forehead. Anointing the forehead with oil is a sign act invoking the healing love of God. After lighting a candle and/or being anointed with oil, you may remain at the altar to pray, or return to your seat for a time of silent prayer.
Prayer
Eternal God, Your love never ends. When all else fails, You still are God. We pray to You for one another in our need, for all everywhere who mourn this day, this season, this year. Comfort us in our suffering and make us whole. Where there is loneliness, surround us with your love; where there is pain and suffering, grant your peace; where there is darkness, shine your light of joy; where we are lost, offer hope. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray as He taught us…
Lord’s Prayer
Ornament Blessing
Song of Going Forth #239 Silent Night, v. 1-3
Benediction
Postlude -Lindsey Pertuset
Organists: Lindsey Pertuset, Janet Oligee
Choir Director: Juli Peterson