This past Sunday, it was lovely to celebrate the approaching Winter Solstice in worship, as the room was slowly darkened, until we drummed back the light. When the lights were very low, Wendy invited us into a practice sometime in the coming week. To sit,  alone, or with loved ones,for at least 5 minutes, with only the light of a candle or a chalice or a Yule log or Christmas tree. Let the surrounding darkness hold you like a warm blanket. And simply sit, listening. An unexpected gift may arise when we pause from all the plans and just be present with the dark.

What is my heart dreaming of at this time of year? What can I risk doing? Who am I being called to become? Just sitting, listening, opening our hearts to Love.

The poet May Sarton captured this practice so beautifully in her poem Christmas Light…but it could be any light or any tree, really…and that’s why we appreciate it so…

When everyone had gone

I sat in the library

With the small silent tree,

She and I alone.

How softly she shone!

Some folks have already let us know that the dark and quiet are just what they needed. May it be so for you, too.
~ Rev. Lynn and Rev. Wendy