Christmas isn't just green and red.

Advent Greetings everyone,

“And when those blue snowflakes start falling
Thats when those blue memories start calling
Youll be doin all right, with your christmas of white
But Ill have a blue, blue blue blue Christmas”

These are lyrics from the song Blue Christmas, made famous by Elvis Presley in 1957. While the song may be slightly cheesy (just my personal opinion), there’s a significant message in it: not everyone is happy during the holiday season. Whether it’s the passing away of loved ones, the ending of personal relationships, or just knowing that past Christmas joys will never come again, there are a lot of people during this time of year that identify with “Bah Humbug!” more than they do “Merry Christmas!”

Most of the time there is not a real cultural expectation of happiness. At least I don’t get that sense when I walk the streets of New Jersey 10 months of the year. But for the last six weeks of the year or so, there IS a cultural expectation of happiness. You see it on TV, you hear it in the music on the radio and in the malls, you see it on websites. You are to be happy! So those who do not feel particularly happy have to deal with not only their current struggles, but also with being ostracized by their environment.

So be aware these days that the person you’re talking to might be putting on a front, and may need some extra kindness and prayers. And if you are one of those living a blue Christmas, know that you are not alone, and that you are loved and being prayed for.

If you are local on Wednesday the 19^th, there’ll be a worship service at the church specially tailored for those struggling this season. Feel free to come and to spread the word to others who might benefit from it.

Peace on earth, goodwill towards all,

Kevin