For many Advent and Christmas are seasons of joy and celebration. And still, for many others, Advent and Christmas bring back painful memories of what has been and reminders of all the ways that life is different than we had hoped. This is the gift of a Blue Christmas. Typically held on the longest day of winter, a Blue Christmas service invites people to hold the tension of grief and sorrow in a season of joy and celebration.

Whether your grief is acute and specific, or just the background hum from a difficult year, take time today to place all your longings before God (Psalm 38:9). Our Savior is a Suffering Servant, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief (Isaiah 53). Pour out your heart to Him, for He cares for you (Psalm 62:8, 1 Peter 5:7). He will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). Take heart, nothing is unseen and your every tear is caught by the One who overcame the world (Hebrews 4:13, Psalm 56:8, John 16:33).

In His First Advent, He stepped into our pain.

In His Second Advent, He will wipe every tear and set all things right.

Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus.

How can you hold the tensions of gratitude and grief, sorrow and joy?

How can you pray for friends and family for whom this season feels particularly painful?

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