The Blue Christmas service at HIllside United Church Sunday afternoon was lovely. It was a joint service with members and clergy from St. John’s United, Hope United, Bethany United and Hillside. We recognized the different losses in our lives, (loved ones, livelihood, love, liveliness), lit candles of hope, and received an annointing blessing. You can watch the service at
(111) Hillside United Church ~ Blue Christmas ~ December 21st, 2025 - YouTube
This was the annointing blessing:
Spirit of the living God, present with us now,
enter you - body, mind, and spirit -
and bring you healing from all that harms you.
In Christ’s name, receive peace,
receive comfort,
receive hope. Amen.
I always think about Newgrange around the time of the Winter Solstice (you can revisit my blog for Dec. 20, 2024 to read about Newgrange in Ireland). It is a reminder to me of the PROMISE (one of this week’s words) that even in our darkest days, that the light will return.
