The Longest Night
Tonight is the longest night of the year for those of us living in the northern hemisphere of Planet Earth. Ancient humans watched throughout this long night, then celebrated joyously when the light returned with the sunrise. They knew the darkness would gradually be vanquished, and growth and life would eventually return. In short, they knew they would survive.
For us, tonight is the longest night of the year in a year that has seemed interminable. It feels like we've been dwelling in darkness for a very long time--spiritual, emotional, physical darkness. It feels like a physical weight we've been carrying or anxiety we've been clenching tightly. For far too many of us, the darkness has been in the form of grief. Too many lives lost. Too many families broken. Too many patients lost. Too many caregivers exhausted. Tonight is indeed the longest night of the year.
We can choose to dwell in the darkness--and it is actually important that we acknowledge the loss, pain and fear of this past year. But we can also choose to channel our inner Druid and watch intently for that tiny shift in the sky that announces the return of the light. Even before full sunrise we know: God has kept God's promise that sorrow may last through the darkest night, but joy will come with the morning light.
On Christmas Eve, we will gather in the darkness to celebrate Light. It's no mistake that we celebrate Christ's birth near the time of the solstice. We celebrate the Light of Christ that shines in the darkness (we don't even have to wait for the sunrise!). And we trust another of God's promises: The Light shines in the darkness and the darkness cannot overcome it.
I hope you will take some time to reflect on this year we've been living through--to allow yourself to grieve for your losses--to acknowledge the pain and suffering of separation. Watch with me through this long, dark night. Because only when we live through the dark can we truly embrace the joy of the Light.
Peace and all good,
Pastor Jean
“After the longest night, tomorrow we sing up the dawn. There is a rejoicing that, even in the darkest time, the sun is not vanquished. As of tomorrow, the days begin to get longer as the light of day grows. While the gentle winter sun slowly opens its eyes, let us all bring more light and compassion into the world.
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