This Blue Christmas

An Experience of Light and Hope in an Unprecedented Advent

This is a private eCourse classroom for Ventura UMC.

This Advent will undoubtedly prove to be an unusual one. In the midst of a global pandemic, following a contentious presidential election in the U.S., and in the swirl of racial unrest, we long for a vision of the Holy One.

The Gospel of John reminds us, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it” (John 1:5). In this season that feels dark to many, as people of faith we have the promise of enduring light. But we’ll need to look for it! What difficulty will the season of Advent hold for you this year? Separation from family? Financial distress? Isolation? The distress of living with the deep unknown? In the midst of the darkness, there is light!

The Upper Room invites you to join us this Advent as we seek the Light in a season of darkness. Together, we will spend daily time reflecting on the light of the season, gather for online worship, and engage in times of prayer and reflection on scripture.

Featuring Todd Outcalt’s book Blue Christmas, our online experience will include:

  • A FREE copy of Blue Christmas mailed to your door!
  • Daily devotional readings from Blue Christmas: Devotions of Light in a Season of Darkness
  • Guided prayer and scripture readings (audio recordings)
  • Space for comments and interaction with other eCourse registrants

Blue Christmas: Devotions of Light in a Season of Darkness is an honest Advent devotional that meets people where they are—in their hurts, fears, and disappointments—and offers them hope through the birth of Jesus Christ. In our online experience, we’ll gather around this devotional guide to experience scripture, meditation, and prayer, and we will be moved to action together.


To purchase a print version of Blue Christmas, visit The Upper Room bookstore.

Interested in online learning options based on your favorite Upper Room books? Look for this graphic and click it to learn more as you explore The Upper Room bookstore.



Your Instructor


Todd Outcalt
Todd Outcalt

Todd Outcalt is a United Methodist pastor, artist, and author of some 40 books in six languages. He is the author of Let Us Go Now to Bethlehem, Blue Christmas, and Praying Through Cancer. He also has been published in The Christian Century, Preaching, Youth Minister, Group, and The Christian Science Monitor. Outcalt has completed the three great pilgrimages of Christendom—Jerusalem, Rome, and the Camino de Santiago. He lives in Brownsburg, Indiana, with his wife, Becky.


Course Content


  Introduction
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  Live Sessions
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  First Week of Advent
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  Second Week of Advent
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  Third Week of Advent
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  Fourth Week of Advent
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  Christmas Day
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  Closing
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  Bonus: Extra Devotionals
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  Bonus: A Blue Christmas Worship Service
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  Bonus: Additional Prayers
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  Bonus: Scripture References
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Frequently Asked Questions


When does the eCourse start and finish?
The eCourse is intended to start with Advent and continue for four weeks. But it will remain open indefinitely. It’s self-paced, so you can decide when to start and when to finish.
How long do I have access to the eCourse?
How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this eCourse for as long as you like—across any and all devices you own. We’ll give you plenty of notice should we need to close the eCourse.
What if I am unhappy with the eCourse?
We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact us within the first 30 days and we will give you a full refund.
Who sponsors these eCourses?
This eCourse is brought to you by The Upper Room.

Get started now!