The Winter Solstice, the first official day of winter, occurs this year on December 21. Other descriptive names that have been attached to this significant occurrence are Longest Night and Midwinter. In the middle of Christmas festivities, we are offered an opportunity to observe the darkness that invades our lives and our worlds. Many find that they can’t enter into the joy of Christmas, and it’s tempting to isolate and grieve alone.
Loss is often accompanied by darkness of spirit and comes to us in many ways: death of family or friends; loss of employment, health, relationships, dreams; and a myriad of other disappointments. God may seem distant and uncaring, but we gather in community to be comforted and reassured that He is present.
This year, we will again offer a Longest Night observance at 5:00pm on December 21 in the Student Center. This will be a quiet time of reflection, remembrance, and hope. Using Scripture, song, readings, and response, we will Lament as we express our pain; Remember as we acknowledge God’s faithfulness; and finally, Hope as we invite the Holy Spirit to be in us and around us in our broken world. We will light candles on A Different Kind of Advent Wreath as we remember Jesus, the Light of the World, our Friend who suffers with us and intercedes with the Father on our behalf.
The Longest Night Service offers a quiet time to heal, surrounded by those who understand and grieve with us. Invite a friend and join us for the Longest Night.