Image Credit: CFJC Today / Adam Donnelly

By Dylana Kneeshaw

BLUE CHRISTMAS SERVICES

Blue Christmas services to be held for Kamloops residents feeling less than festive

Dec 21, 2023 | 5:30 PM

KAMLOOPS — It’s often sung about as the most wonderful time of the year, but for many people, the winter holidays aren’t so festive feeling — especially for those who are grieving or going through a difficult time.

“Maybe even there’s financial difficulties and they’re just not feeling all the holly jolliness that’s there with all the music in the malls.” notes Hills of Peace Lutheran Church Rev. Jane Gingrich.

Thursday night (Dec. 21), Hills of Peace in Kamloops will host its Blue Christmas Service of Hope and Healing. The service is geared toward folks who might want a calmer experience.

“It’s a little more subdued, lighting is a little bit dimmer. Usually a smaller group, maybe 30-to-40 people, rather than the throngs of Christmas Eve,” explains Gingrich. “(There is) some candle lighting, quieter music, time for prayers, time for laying on of hands.”

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Christmas Eve jubilation tends to bring out community members beyond the existing congregation. And Gingrich says the Blue Christmas service also draws in people who may not be regular church-goers, but want a place to be with their thoughts or pray.

“Sometimes from the neighbourhood, they’ve noticed that there’s a Blue Christmas service coming up. Sometimes through hospice, or those in hospital who are visiting loved ones have noted that this might be an opportunity for them to still participate in a Christmas service of some kind, but something that, again, meets them where they’re at.”

Hills of Peace will be hosting its Blue Christmas service Thursday night at 7:00 p.m and Gingrich adds there are other services throughout the city this week.

“We’re not the only ones who host services like this. SouthWest Community Church just over on Hugh Allan Drive is also offering a service [Friday] evening of a similar vein, at 7:00 p.m.”