From the middle of November, shops, media and advertising collude to convince us that Christmas is magical, full of joy and fulfilment. Cares are banished and laughing children reinforce the message that sadness and anxiety have no place in the festivities.

But what if bereavement means that sorrow is the overwhelming emotion felt at Christmas? How do you observe it then? 'Blue Christmas', is an American service specifically designed for those whose mood is 'blue' in this season.

The service itself is very simple – a mixture of carols (sometimes just selected verses) ; prayers which acknowledge pain and emptiness alongside the Christian hope; a reflection which gently speaks of light in darkness. We keep the length to no more than 40 minutes, and leave times of silence, not rushing to fill every moment with word or song.

Towards the end, people are invited to light a candle as a sign that even in the darkest night, the light of Christ offers hope.

Email cccpastorjeannette@gmail.com for Zoom Invitation.