Here’s
a candle-lighting litany for a “Blue Christmas” or “Longest Night”
service. It was written by Bonnie
Kinschner.
Candle Lighting
Candles
are lit from a larger main candle.
The first candle is lit—
We light this first candle
in memory of those persons we have lost through
death.
We remember them by name in our hearts or out
loud. (pause)
We give thanks for them and for their lives.
(pause)
We treasure the memories in this difficult season .
[Silence]
The second candle is lit—
We light this second candle
to ask for deliverance from the pain of loss.
All of the losses we face that bring sadness and
darkness
to this time of year—
the loss of relationships,
the loss of health,
the loss of jobs,
the loss of financial security….
(pause)
We ask that God bring us
comfort.
We realize that the pain
of loss can be heightened at this time of year
and we ask for peace and
renewal. (pause)
Lord, thank you for release.
[Silence]
The third candle is lit—
We
light this third candle for each of us.
We
offer up to God our pasts,
the
times of regret and sorrow,
the
times of mourning,
the
difficult memories,
the
times of grief and sadness,
and
of loneliness and pain. (pause)
We ask that God take away the darkness. (pause)
“…the
people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in
the region and shadow of death light has dawned.” Matthew 4: 16
[Silence]
The fourth candle is lit—
We
light this fourth candle as a symbol of hope and promise.
We
invite and celebrate the coming of the One
who
promises us no more suffering…
the
One who promises us light. (pause)
“…Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am
the light of the world.
Whoever follows me will never walk
in darkness
but will have the light of life.
[Silence]
Amen.
Come Lord Jesus.
~
from Bonnie Kinschner’s Blue Christmas Service. From One
Mind Mental Illness Ministry, http://www.onemindmentalillnessministry.com/resources.html
