Blue Christmas

Elvis sang 'Blue Christmas' : "I'll have a blue Christmas without you..." Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), also known as winter depression, winter blues in the northern hemisphere, or seasonal depression is treated with light therapies amongst others. The shortening hours of light affect some people. Yesterday was the shortest day of the year as we draw nearer to Christmas - with all its twinkling lights, the star over the stable in the Christmas story. This is an extract from the book 'Sacred Rhythms' by Christine Sine: "For many people, the pre-Christmas season is the hardest time of the year - and not just because they overindulge. Often the cultural atmosphere of the season is totally out of synch with the rhythm of our bodies and our spirits. The short days of winter make us want to slow down and join the animals in hibernation. This is the season when we remember loved ones who have died and grieve our separation from them. During this season we are most vulnerable to loneliness and despair, particularly if we are struggling with divorce or broken family relationships. Depression is at its height, made more acute by the contrasting images of merrymaking around us. Since there is no time to grieve, no time to refocus, and no time to experience that much-needed healing a season of reflection can bring, our lives suffer. One church in Ottawa holds a "Blue Christmas service" which acknowledges the pressures that people feel. This service is far more authentic reflection of how many of us experience this season and is much more in keeping with its spiritual meaning." So, we have passed the shortest day in the northern hemisphere : The winter solstice. The days will get lighter as we head for springtime and summer. I am going to head in the direction of Jesus, who is the true Light of the World. It will be a blue Christmas without Christ. Let Christ shine His light on you and in you today, as well as during the Christmas season into the New Year 2012.

Christmas Day Is Coming!

Christmas Day Is Coming! We've had carol services here at Chase on Sunday 18th December @ 10.30am and 6.30pm. In the morning on the 18th we had a guest appearance with members of the school choir from St John's Primary School singing in the service.  Alison Moss spoke from the gospel writer Luke's account with the shepherds in mind, preceded by an impacting drama mime from Rachel Turner. Lasting about an hour each and both served with mince pies the services went down a treat as well as the mince pies!  The evening service was candlelit and had impressive drama pieces featuring Lynnette Coombes and Sam Lobb.  They had to be seen to be believed! I'll never sing 'My Jesus' without thinking of Sam somehow!  Then Tizz, our intrepid youth worker, spoke about 'God Moving Into The Neighbourhood' based on the first chapter of John's Gospel. The young people's band struck up the carols and songs old & new with appropriate gusto spearheaded by the highly talented Rachel Best who is just a little older. All in all the Christmas services rocked with the Rock of Ages the reason for the season.   We also have a service lasting around 45 minutes on Christmas Day itself led by our Superintendent Minister, the Revd David Moss.   Happy CHRISTmas!