The twinkling lights, the packages and the joyful melodies can, at times, for some be hard to embrace.They remind us of lost loved ones, failed hopes, sadness and depression. For some Christmas is blue, that’s why it’s so important to show joy, bring light and offer words of hope. I have included a candle lighting that you can use with friends or family to remember a loved one, perhaps you can do it on December 21st, the longest night, when the day is the shortest and the night is the longest.

Prayer

The days are short. The nights are long. Lord, your universe mirrors the reality of our hearts, revealing your gracious spirit that mourns with us in grief, cries with us in sorrow, sits with us in despair. You are not a distant God, removed from human pain, but a faithful companion closer to us than our tears. Help us to feel your presence now as we remember and reflect, seeking your healing touch and the hope we have in the Christ child. Amen

Lighting of candles

Reader: We light these candles in thanksgiving for loved ones lost, for past health and joy that seems so distant.

Reader: We light these candles in prayer, that we will feel God’s love in our present sorrow.

Reader: We light these candles in hope, for the promises of God yet to be revealed.

Together say, glory to God, you are the light of the world.

Read Psalm 113 and Psalm 139:7-12

Reflect and give thanks for the loved one and gods consistent presence and assurance of ever lasting life.

Reverend Kirsty DuPree