Are you sure?
This bookmark will be removed from all folders and any saved notes will be permanently removed.
Love fills the empty chair at Christmas
Originally appeared on spirituality.com
Elvis Presley’s hit song 50 years ago this season was “Blue Christmas.” Although it had been a staple in the country-music repertoire for almost ten years before that, it was Elvis’ version that captured America’s heart, with his soulful lament of a sorrowful Christmas “without you.”
That message resonates with many people—not only lonesome lovers, but those who are solitary because of estrangement, bereavement, or distance from loved ones. Some churches in our area even offer “Blue Christmas” services that are intended to help people deal with their grief in a spiritual setting.
My wife and I well understand what some call the “empty chair” syndrome. This will be the ninth year that one family member whom we love very much has chosen not to spend Christmas with us. And other family members live on the other side of the world and can’t get here. My wife and I could feel pretty blue about the empty chairs at our holiday table.
Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.
