During the holidays, so many of us can suffer for all kinds of reasons. The magnitude of our weary world weighs on our hearts and minds. We wrestle with chronic pain, broken relationships, shattered dreams, fragile faith, and unexpected losses. Our grief and sorrow feel particularly acute when compared to the festivity and joy everyone else seems to be feeling. More and more churches are acknowledging this fact with “Blue Christmas” services (also called “Longest Night” services) and offering resources to give particular support and comfort to those struggling during the “most wonderful time of the year.”
Kathy Escobar has been leading Blue Christmas experiences at her church for nearly a decade and just experienced her bluest season of all following the sudden death of her son. In A Weary World, Escobar provides twenty-eight daily reflections paired with prayers and practices to honor our struggles during the holidays. Weekly resources make this Advent devotional suitable for group study as well.
Find digital extras for worship and online study groups at wjkbooks.com/AWearyWorld.
Kathy Escobar is the cofounder and copastor of The Refuge, a hub for healing community, social action, and creative collaboration serving in North Denver since 2006. She’s a pastor, spiritual director, speaker, organizational consultant, advocate, and author of several books, including Practicing: Changing Yourself to Change the World and Faith Shift: Finding Your Way Forward When Everything You Believe Is Coming Apart. She’s also co-executive director and founder of #CommunityHeals: Making Spaces for Transformation Accessible for All. Find out more at kathyescobar.com.
