The Longest Night

The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. – Psalm 34:18.

The longest night of the year, the Winter Solstice, occurs on Thursday, December 21, just days before Christmas. This time of year provides the Church a unique opportunity to acknowledge and comfort people walking through the joy-filled season with a heavy burden due to loss.

Loss comes in many ways: through the death of family or friends, loss of employment, health, relationships, or dreams, to name a few. God may seem distant and uncaring, but we can gather in community and care for each other.

On the date of the Winter Solstice, Schweitzer will host a service called the Longest Night in the Student Center at 6 pm. This will be a quiet time of reflection, remembrance and hope. Following the pattern of many of the Psalms 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 heal the hurt in us and in our world.

We will light candles on A Different Kind of Advent Wreath, remembering the example of Jesus and standing with others as we intercede for a world that has suffered many losses this year. If your heart is heavy this season, we invite you to be part of this special evening. Consider attending with a friend as a way to encourage one another.