This Blue Christmas
An Experience of Light and Hope in an Unprecedented Advent
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 weekly for online worship, and engage in times of prayer and reflection on scripture.
Join us from Sunday, November 29 through Friday, December 25, 2020.
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, available anytime in our online classroom
- Weekly conversations with Todd Outcalt every Monday at 11:30 a.m. CENTRAL time
- Weekly live worship services with The Upper Room staff members and friends every Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. followed by live sessions at 11:30 a.m. CENTRAL time
- Guided prayer and scripture readings (audio recordings), available anytime in our online classroom
- Space for comments and interaction with other eCourse registrants
- Optional: private classroom just for your group*
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. Join our open group alone and make new friends, or request a private group classroom for your group of 5 or more and delve into This Blue Christmas with those you know.*
Our eCourse will include a variety of elements—some at a specific time and virtual place and some available to you at any time (in our online classroom). You are invited to engage as you are able, and you are not required to participate in every element of the online experience. All live sessions will be recorded and available for viewing in our online classroom.
* For private classroom pricing and information, contact us at [email protected].
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
-
StartRestore: A Word from Todd (2:15)
-
StartNovember 29th — First Sunday of Advent: Looking East
-
StartNovember 30th — First Monday of Advent: Humble Beginnings
-
StartDecember 1st — First Tuesday of Advent: Look Inside
-
StartDecember 2nd — First Wednesday of Advent: The 151st Psalm
-
StartDecember 3rd — First Thursday of Advent: Bondage and Freedom
-
StartDecember 4th — First Friday of Advent: Dressing Up
-
StartDecember 5th — First Saturday of Advent: Simplicity
-
StartReflection Question — Week 1