Blue Christmas at the Cathedral of St. Andrew
December 21, 2011 5:30 pm at Cathedral of St. Andrew
BLUE CHRISTMAS AT THE CATHEDRAL OF SAINT ANDREW
With The Cathedral Choir led by John Renke, Cathedral Director of Music
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Beginning at 5:30 p.m.
229 Queen Emma Square, Honolulu
With The Cathedral Choir led by John Renke, Cathedral Director of Music
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Beginning at 5:30 p.m.
229 Queen Emma Square, Honolulu
Blue Christmas: a Service of Reflection for the Longest Night - “Joy to the world!” Brightly wrapped packages, decorations and colored lights, holiday parties, mistletoe and holly and pine, carols playing in malls and on the radio, love, friends and family, baking and feasting, fireworks and champagne ...images of Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and the New Year. We traditionally think of the holiday season as a time of joy, abundance, and celebration. But for those who are grieving or dealing with pain, illness, change, or other losses and turmoil in their lives, the holidays are often difficult indeed. Some are facing or remembering the death of a loved one, or the loss of a relationship, or a job. Some have lost health, strength, or mobility. Some care for others who are suffering. Some are separated from loved ones by physical distance, by work or war; for others the separation is emotional or social. Some are exhausted or discouraged. Some fear what the future may bring. Instead of joy, the holidays mean painful memories, loneliness, and dark depression. The pressure to celebrate and be jolly can be overwhelming.
St. Andrew’s Cathedral offers an alternative. On Wednesday, December 21st at 5:30pm in the Cathedral we will gather for “Blue Christmas: a Service of Reflection for the Longest Night”. Held on the Winter Solstice, the longest night of the year, it recognizes that there is darkness in all our lives, that not everyone is merry at Christmastime. Through music, silent meditation, scripture, and healing prayer, we reach out to acknowledge sadness with comfort and quiet remembrance, to reflect on the losses we have experienced and to remember together, whatever our spiritual path, the real reason for the season: that we are not alone, and that light will come again.
Whether you are having a difficult time this holiday season or just want a moment of quiet, please come. If you know someone who is sad, struggling, or alone, please invite them to attend. Everyone is welcome. For more information: Call 524-2822, ext. 217
St. Andrew’s Cathedral offers an alternative. On Wednesday, December 21st at 5:30pm in the Cathedral we will gather for “Blue Christmas: a Service of Reflection for the Longest Night”. Held on the Winter Solstice, the longest night of the year, it recognizes that there is darkness in all our lives, that not everyone is merry at Christmastime. Through music, silent meditation, scripture, and healing prayer, we reach out to acknowledge sadness with comfort and quiet remembrance, to reflect on the losses we have experienced and to remember together, whatever our spiritual path, the real reason for the season: that we are not alone, and that light will come again.
Whether you are having a difficult time this holiday season or just want a moment of quiet, please come. If you know someone who is sad, struggling, or alone, please invite them to attend. Everyone is welcome. For more information: Call 524-2822, ext. 217