The Longest Night

Although tonight is not the official "Solstice", (most sources say it falls on Dec. 22 this year) this evening we will offer "The Longest Night" worship service. This year it will be held at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church 9549 Highland Rd, Brecksville at 7:30 PM.

We gather for this worship service in recognition that there are many, many people who experience deep pain, grief, and tenderness during the holiday season. Sometimes the pain is rooted in the fact that this is the first Christmas Season without a loved one who died in the past twelve months. What about those of us who have friends and loved ones who are overseas, serving in the Armed Forces? Sometimes there is a tension between society's abundant consumerism and the reality that one is without employment. Some of us feel inadequate when finances prevent us from "giving" the way we have in past years. Sometimes we are wrestling with the painful, physical reality that illness or age is rapidly progressing and we know that, chances are, this may be the "last" Christmas we will share on earth.

We pause on the Longest Night to acknowledge whatever dark situations we are facing. However, we also pause this night to gaze, together, at the healing light that cannot and will not EVER be obscured by the darkness.

Are you taking time to notice how the Light of Christ is piercing any darkness in your life? The love and healing presence of the Lord approaches! Peace to you....Pray for any and all who, for some reason, feel engulfed by the darkness, that they too may seek and find the light!