Hillsdale College Hosts Sixth Annual Blue Christmas Service
The Christian liturgical service aims to comfort those who suffer during Advent and Christmas
HILLSDALE, Mich. — The Hillsdale College Chaplain’s Office and Health and Wellness Center offered its annual Blue Christmas service on Dec. 5 in Christ Chapel. The service, which is open to students, faculty, staff, and their families, is a time of reflection and prayer for those who find it especially hard to rejoice during the Christmas season.
Hillsdale College held its first Blue Christmas service in 2016 under the direction of College Chaplain Adam Rick and Director of Health Services Brock Lutz. “Statistics show that depression increases over the holidays,” Rick said. “The aim of this service is to help people who struggle during the holidays find a place for themselves in the Christmas story, and to come alongside them as they do.”
Rick and Lutz thought the addition of a Blue Christmas service at Hillsdale College was fitting, as students from across the country, who have joined together for a few months of singular focus and hard work, must head back to myriad domestic situations and different life stories.
“Not everybody wants to go home at Christmas,” Lutz said. “We hope this service gives participants a place to be themselves and to remember and reflect on the pain of loss, personal suffering, and most importantly their personal faith in God amid hardship, especially during the Advent and Christmas seasons.”
The service includes readings from Scripture, a brief homily, and intercessory prayer for those who suffer. Rick said the real power of the service is the middle component where participants light candles as a way to “name their grief.” There is also a meditative time for healing prayer and some simple counseling.
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