Blue Christmas: Devotions of Light in a Season of Darkness

by Todd Outcalt

Overview

The Advent and Christmas season is often associated with joy, love, generosity, and unity. But for many people, this time of year magnifies loneliness, anxiety, grief, and despair. "Not all Christmases are white; some are blue," Todd Outcalt writes. Blue Christmas is a devotional book for the 28 days of Advent and Christmas Day. Each devotion includes a scripture selection, meditation, prayer, and suggested Advent action. The book also features additional prayers, a "Blue Christmas" worship service, and reflection questions. In these honest devotions, readers will find their fears and realities named and brought into the light of God's love. They will be led to sit with their experiences, acknowledge their losses, and remember Jesus' promise "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." This book reminds us that all our Christmases, even the darkest ones, can be filled with honesty and hope if we are first willing to sit in silence and bring our deepest fears to God.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780835817875
Publisher:	Upper Room Books
Publication date:	09/01/2018
Pages:	112
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.20(d)

About the Author

Todd Outcalt is lead pastor of Calvary United Methodist Church, Brownsburg, Indiana. He is the author of more than 35 books, including Praying Through Cancer (Upper Room Books, 2016) Common Ground, The Other Jesus, The Healing Touch, and 8 youth ministry titles published by Abingdon Press. Outcalt lives in Brownsburg, Indiana and enjoys travel, hiking, and painting.

Table of Contents

Introduction 9

How to Use This Book 13

First Week of Advent 15

Second Week of Advent 31

Third Week of Advent 45

Fourth Week of Advent 67

Christmas Day 93

Additional Prayers 95

A Blue Christmas Worship Service 99

Questions for Personal Reflection and Group Study 107

Scripture References 109

About the Author 111