Hoffman Estates church to host Blue Christmas service Dec. 11

Christmas is a joyous time of the year for many of us, but not joyous for everyone. For some, the holidays are sad, filled with bad memories or grief over the loss of a loved one. How many times have you heard someone say “if I can just make it though the holidays.”

With these feelings in mind, Church of the Cross, Presbyterian (U.S.A), at 475 W. Higgins Road in Hoffman Estates, is holding a Blue Christmas service at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11.

“As the Advent season is underway, we recognize we carry a lot of weariness in our bodies. It is important for us to acknowledge our weariness, our grief, our anger, the hopelessness we carry and to also affirm we are made by God to experience joy,” said the Rev. Julie Peterson, pastor of Church of the Cross.

The worship service will include readings, prayer, meditation and will be live streamed via www.facebook.com/cotcpcusa.

Even if you are simply overwhelmed by the Christmas rush (and not necessarily "blue") you are welcome to join us as we pause before the Holy One, seeking to have our empty cups filled once again.

“Weariness comes in many ways and for some people the Christmas Season is a struggle. Our Blue Christmas service is for those who feel weariness of any kind,” Rev. Peterson said. “Bringing our full humanity, with all of the emotions we experience, is one way to approach the Christ Child’s birth with the honesty of our lives.”