Notes on the Notes – Blue Christmas 2025
Blue Christmas Service
Service music:
“In the Bleak Mid-Winter”
We open our Blue Christmas service with an instrumental version of the carol, In the Bleak Midwinter. In 1906, Gustav Holst composed the original music for the poem written by Christian Rossetti in 1872. Tonight’s arrangement also incorporates a hint of Pachabel’s canon and was arranged by Mary Donnelly and George O. Strid (2009) for a choral anthem of the same name.
“Come and Rest in the Arms of God” (TLUS #107)
“Come and rest in the arms of God, leave your worry and fear;
Make your home in the heart of God,
God will dry every tear.
For the burden you carry will fade within God’s care,
Come and rest in the arms of God.”
We will be using the chorus of this hymn written by Tony E. Alonso (2009). Inspired by Matthew 11:28–30, Tony Alonso’s piece reminds us of the joy and gentleness awaiting in God’s embrace.
“What Child is This”
Our second instrumental piece is the beautiful carol, “What Child is This?” This carol was set to the English folk song “Greensleeves” in 1871.
“May You be Held” (TLUS #105)
“May you be held,
May you be held, in the love,
In the love of God.”
This beautiful response was written by Rev. Juanita Austin, a United Church minister, in 2017. No matter where we are in our life’s journey, we are not alone. God’s love is with us.
“I am Sending You Light” (TLUS #99)
“I am sending you light to heal you, to hold you.
I am sending you light to hold you in love.”
We will be using the chorus of this song as we are assured of God’s love coming to the world through Jesus. The words and music are by Melanie DeMore (2019).
“Silent Night” (VU #67)
“Silent night! Holy night!
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon virgin mother and child.
Holy infant so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace.
Silent night! Holy night!
Son of God, love’s pure light;
Radiant beams from thy holy face,
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at thy birth. Jesus, Lord, at thy birth.”
“Silent Night” was composed in 1818 by Franz Xaver Gruber to lyrics by Joseph Mohr in Oberndorf bei Salzburg, Austria. It was declared an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO in 2011. The song was first recorded in 1905 and has remained one of the most recorded Christmas songs, with more than 137,000 known recordings.
The Blue Christmas service will be posted on Wednesday, December 17 at 7 p.m.
Bonus video: Gentle Christmas Music with Snow and Cozy Fireplace
