For those who are grieving-or anticipating--the loss of a loved one, suffering from serious illness or addiction, or dealing with any family crisis, a joyous Christmas celebration may be only a painful reminder of their feelings of sadness and isolation. The Blue Christmas service will feature quiet hymns for Advent and Christmas and the lighting of candles with prayers for the losses and anxieties that worshipers are bearing. There will also be a Eucharist, with intention for healing and comfort for all present and their families. Priest-in-charge, Fr. Tim Rogers says that the Blue Christmas Service is a "gift to the community," intended to reassure those who are grieving that the birth of Jesus means God is present with us in all of our human pain and shares our suffering.

For many people, the Christmas holidays are a painful time, either because they are grieving a loss, or are living alone, or come from a difficult family background. The usual holiday expectations - good cheer, merry-making, family gatherings, gift exchanges - can be a source of sadness or disappointment. Blue Christmas on the Beach is an opportunity to welcome hurting people and celebrate the core religious meaning of the holy day without the overlay of social expectations that just doesn't fit for some.

According to Fr. Charles Cannon, Episcopal priest and Rector of St. James the Fisherman Episcopal Church, Islamorada, many people don't fit the perfect "template" of the holidays and are left out of the Christmas festivities by default.  St. James wants to give those persons permission to come to Blue Christmas on the Beach with all that they are and all that they're feeling, knowing that they are welcomed and accepted. 

Fr. Cannon has been ministering to persons in the Upper Florida Keys since June 2011 through regular, non-threatening "Church on the Beach" services.  Fr. Cannon's counseling background affords him a unique understanding that people living with depression, struggling with loss, or just feeling left out, should have a place to go to celebrate and observe the birth of Christ.