Podcast to be published on Monday, December 21
December 21st is the longest night of the year – and when the night is long it can remind us of our fears and losses. Christmas is a celebration of light in the darkness, but sometimes we can’t get to the celebration because grief or loss overwhelm us. This year we set aside a time to acknowledge the hardship and the loss that comes in life, in a podcast service of prayer, encouragement and comfort. In times of hardship and grief we mostly need to know that we are not alone. Come to this longest night service and know that you are not alone. The podcast link will be emailed on December 21, or you may find the podcast on the Sermons Online page of our website.
You may prefer to observe the longest night specifically on your own or with your own family. If your family feels down for any reason or is grieving, the winter solstice is a good time to name that hard time or grief, mark it, and remember that subsequent days will eventually get longer and brighter. All you need for this practice is a candle and the words below. Gather around a table with the candle and say, “Today, on this longest night, we remember that even though there is joy in the Advent season, sometimes there is sorrow, too. We light a candle for [name the reason for your longest night ceremony]. We take a moment to remember that, though the nights can feel long and dark sometimes, brighter and longer days are coming soon. Let’s pray together:
“God, this candle reminds us that there is light, even in the longest night. We thank you for the opportunity to name the things that are difficult for us this season, and for the hope we have as the sun shines more and more each day. Help us to be near to one another and to you as we lift up our prayers on this day.”
Close your observance by extinguishing the candle and saying, “Peace to our family and to our hearts. May we trust in the light that is to come. Peace, peace. Amen.” After the ceremony, do something quiet together, enjoying one another’s quiet presence. Snuggle together and watch a movie, or go for a drive to enjoy the Christmas lights around town. Remember that sadness and joy can exist together.
