Blue Christmas services, for stillness and calm in a busy season

For many, Christmas is a time of joy, togetherness, and celebration, but for others, it can be overwhelming, and it can magnify feelings like anxiety, pain and loneliness. In recognition of this, churches around the diocese are having Blue Christmas, a service designed for reflection, solace, and quiet connection.

Clare Negreira, Priest at St Catharine’s Church, said: “Blue Christmas is a service open to all, whether they are grieving, overwhelmed by the season, or simply seeking a moment of peace. It’s for anyone, faith or no faith, who feels the need for quiet time, to light a candle, and to release feelings of despair. It is a space where people can find comfort in stillness, away from the noise and pressure of the season. It is a safe place to express feelings, seek the comfort of God and to engage with the hope of the Christmas promise that God is with us.”

Here are a list of Blue Christmas services taking place around the diocese this year:

Gloucester Deanery

St Catharine’s, London Road, Gloucester, 21 December, 6pm to 7pm

Clare said: “Blue Christmas is held on the longest night at St Catharine’s, giving space and time to acknowledge our sadness and concern, helping us to know we are not alone.

“Part of our service draws on elements of the Christmas story, such as Mary’s encounter with the angel when she was told she was pregnant. We light candles, and we are given something meaningful to take away; this year, it is a small wooden disc from an apple tree, marked with a star to symbolise the Church of England’s Follow the Star’ campaign.

“The bereavement and pastoral teams are also on hand to offer additional support for those who wish to talk. It is a chance to join in with as much or as little as you want. Afterwards there is an invitation to stay for tea or coffee and mince pies and further prayer with a member of the prayer team.”

St Barnabas, Stroud Road, Gloucester, Wednesday 18 December, 11am to 1pm
St George’s Tuffley, Gloucester, Monday 23 December, 6pm

Greenway Benefice

Holy Trinity, Badgeworth, Saturday 21 December, 3pm

Chris Langham of Greenway Benefice said: “This is a service for those who find Christmas a difficult time.

“Maybe times are, or have been, hard for you – for whatever reason (bereavement, illness, estrangement, worry) – and Christmas seems to accentuate, rather than ease, the difficulties. Or maybe in an overly busy life, you just want a little space to reflect, recall, regroup. Whatever the reason, whatever the need, you will be welcome at this service.”