Community in Darkness

As I write this, it’s Blue Monday, supposedly the most depressing and difficult day of the year. Christmas bills are coming due, the buoyancy of the holiday season is no longer buffering the darkness and the cold, and realities may need to be faced in what should be a brand new year full of possibilities.

I preached this past Sunday on the massacre of the innocents in Bethlehem and the evil perpetuated by King Herod, as well as about present-day refugees. Nice, light-hearted topics for those who braved the -25 temperature to come out! Yes, the light of the world came, but darkness came quickly after and the Christ child needed protection from a ruthless and paranoid tyrant. As I led the service I could see that people were affected. These are not easy things to talk about and facing current realities in our world is challenging when it can seem so dark.

But then I think of how there must have been people put in Mary and Joseph’s path who helped them over their few months stay in Egypt, that God had a plan and used a dream to let Joseph know what to do to protect the Light. And we have no less of God’s care and can offer no less to those in need - compassion, warmth, a place to belong, a listening ear, a recognition that all people are important to God and not just those who look like us.

As worshiping communities we are challenged to notice the people among us who are experiencing darkness, whether through increased financial strains or mental illness or weathered relationships or loss. For those in Christian education, we need to be cognizant of the impact of these things on children and youth and parents. And then there are the challenges facing those in the wider community who are perhaps in desperate need of a surrogate family that can restore their hope.

I’ve blogged about ideas to combat winter blues before, but it bears repeating that this is one of the most challenging times of year. There are many things that we can do to counteract the forces in our lives that want to suck out our joy and hope. These things don’t need to be huge or taxing, as we as leaders tend to feel depleted around now too. But there are things we can do to encourage a positive journey through this challenging time. You can probably think of more than these.

1) Encourage community through focusing on relationship building during and after worship. If you don’t already pass the peace, consider starting it as a point of contact. If people don’t want to shake hands due to illness, they can fold their hands but still offer the words of peace to those around them. If you gather for coffee and interaction is stilted or excluding of some, use the time to encourage people to meet those they don’t already know,

2) Consider having an event that addresses how to support people who struggle with mental illness. Ask someone to come with a background in this, whether a doctor, mental health professional, a sufferer who has discovered healthy ways to cope, or someone else who will be an encouragement.

3) For those who are able to get out, consider a low-key event like board games and snacks, or a potluck with a singsong, or invite the congregation to go to the movies or tobogganing or skating with hot chocolate after. If it really flies well, consider another opportunity.

4) Find ways to keep shut-ins connected to the community. For those who have few if any family or other social supports, try to find a buddy who will commit to phoning once a week to update them on what is happening at church and to check on how they are coping. Often these people get lots of attention at Christmas with carolers and poinsettias but this fades. Perhaps arrange a visit from the youth group or a Sunday school class to bring art or muffins.

As worship or program leaders we can make choices around content that uplifts and encourages positive change and hope. Even in dark stories there is always hope. We also need to be aware of how we are doing and draw on our own sources of support to replenish our energy and drive. Share what is dragging you down with a trusted peer, get out whenever there is sunshine, keep active, get adequate sleep, eat well and look at opportunities to find community with those in your field. In this time especially, know what resources are available to you and those you serve so that help can be found quickly.

Take care of yourself so that you can take care of those you are called to care for and serve. May we all find ways to protect the Light sent to us.