{"id":2217,"date":"2022-12-12T12:29:24","date_gmt":"2022-12-12T17:29:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/inspirationallaroundme.org\/index.php\/2022\/12\/12\/lamenting-at-a-blue-christmas\/"},"modified":"2022-12-12T12:29:24","modified_gmt":"2022-12-12T17:29:24","slug":"lamenting-at-a-blue-christmas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/inspirationallaroundme.org\/index.php\/2022\/12\/12\/lamenting-at-a-blue-christmas\/","title":{"rendered":"Lamenting at a Blue Christmas."},"content":{"rendered":"\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

While sitting in Sunday school the spirit was on the loose! Such rich discussions are always brought up in Sunday school and it is one of many highlights that enhance my Sunday worship experience. Well on this particular Sunday, \u201cout the mouth of a babe\u201d, came the idea of a Blue Christmas. I had never heard of this until now. In all my years I have never heard it but with excitement me and a few others were interested and wanted to experience this for ourselves. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You know that saying, \u201cdon\u2019t talk about it, be about it?\u201d Well can I tell you that the Koinonia women and men didn\u2019t just talk about it, we made it happen? My heart is just so full this morning I can barely type straight because my heart is overflowing with gladness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Ever since I can remember, I\u2019ve dreamt of a time when the believers of Christ could come together for a time such as this Blue Christmas. And it finally came to pass on last night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The spirit of Christ was in that place. I could tell by the fellowship, hugs given and received, smiles, conversation, prayers, laughter, tears cried, and faces full of hope and prosperity that God called us together at just the right time. The way the Holy Spirit moved was magical! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I used to hear the Pastor say something along the lines of \u201cdecrease me, and increase You, give me Your spirit.\u201d Well someone must have prayed that pray last night because not only was the Holy Spirit welcomed, He was present, it was so real and tangible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I also felt my parents spirit in the room. I don\u2019t know if I was alone in that regard but as we lit candles for our loved ones who will be celebrating Christmas in Heaven, the load I\u2019ve been carrying got lighter. The tears I cried, are all with purpose, but I felt like that purpose was clearly shown last night. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I was telling Kelly that the responsive reading and liturgical reading reminded me of it was in the Reformed Episcopal Church. I can\u2019t tell you how rich the Book of Common Prayer is and the calming peace as I reflect and think of going to church when mommy and daddy were alive. As a child I couldn\u2019t stand the constant getting up and sitting back down in regard to the order of worship and I know over the years I\u2019ve heard people think similar\u2026.but last night it all came back full circle. I felt safe. I felt at peace. I felt at home. It felt like a reunion of my first church family to include those spending Christmas in Heaven this year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The resource that Kelly selected courtesy of Young Clergy Women International and Rev. Heather Hill was phenomenal. I wonder if they are from the RE church because it sure felt like being back at NST when all of the family was there. I even mentioned it to Cherise, and she thought the program was exceptional as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Y\u2019all I don\u2019t mean to brag but if I am; I can\u2019t help it. You had to be there. You had to witness the presence of the Lord in this place. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

New faces, old faces, young faces, beautiful faces, hurting souls, desperate souls, heavy hearts, confused minds, innocent thoughts, burdens, sorrow, relief, peace, joy, happiness, release, redemption, forgiveness, confession, purpose, assurance, contentment, full, strong faith, and God\u2019s grace and timing. Those are all words I can use to describe what was felt last night. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I cried all night, I\u2019ve cried all morning, I\u2019m crying now because of how grateful I am to serve a God who knows it all. God knew what each of us stood in the need of:<\/p>\n\n\n\n