Last night we celebrated a "longest night" service here at the parish.  The genesis for this service was a conversation between parish member Janine V., a hospice nurse, and myself some time ago.  We wanted to offer a worship experience that would speak to some the struggles that folks can face this time of year and give honest recogniton and respect to the fact that for some, Christmas time is bittersweet - joyous and sad all wrapped up together. 

The service was beautiful - a focus on light and darkness and the gift of hope that is ours through faith in Christ.  As members of the congregation brought forward candles they had lit from the Paschal Candle near the altar, they paused for a moment, lifting up prayers for healing, gratitude for loved ones who have gone before us, and acknowledged our continud need for Christ to be born anew in each of us.  

We will offer this prayer opportunity again.  It was a gift to be together in a warm church on a cold night, to light candles of hope and offer prayers to God, and to hear from the gospel of John, "The light has shone in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."