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 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
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StartRestore: A Word from Todd (2:15)
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StartNovember 29th — First Sunday of Advent: Looking East
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StartNovember 30th — First Monday of Advent: Humble Beginnings
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StartDecember 1st — First Tuesday of Advent: Look Inside
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StartDecember 2nd — First Wednesday of Advent: The 151st Psalm
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StartDecember 3rd — First Thursday of Advent: Bondage and Freedom
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StartDecember 4th — First Friday of Advent: Dressing Up
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StartDecember 5th — First Saturday of Advent: Simplicity
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StartReflection Question — Week 1