The Longest Night of the Longest Year
Illustration by Carson Ellis
For the past three years on December 21st, the night of the Winter Solstice, I was fortunate to have hosted a “Longest Night” service in partnership with The Community Church of Lake Forest & Lake Bluff and Forest & Found in Lake Forest. We created a sacred space through use of music, inspirational readings, quiet reflection and candlelight. The service offered an opportunity for those who attended to hold and be present with emotions that conflicted with the celebratory nature of the holiday season, and encouraged all to give themselves permission to do so without judgement. It was our hope that people would leave the experience “better able to receive the joys of the season because they dared to face and embrace the dark.” This year, for reasons we have been living with for what feels like the longest year ever, we are not able to gather as in years past. However, I encourage the creation of your own ritual for honoring the Solstice, and for honoring all that you have been through this most impossible of years. Below are links to readings & music to inspire you. Stay safe and well. Let’s all look toward the light!
Blue Christmas: What To Do When the Holidays Hurt by John Pavlovitz
The Invitation of December by Barbara Mahany
For One Who Is Exhausted, a Blessing by John O’Donahue
Let This Darkness Be a Bell Tower by Rainer Maria Rilke
It’s Quiet Uptown Renée Elise Goldsberry · Lin-Manuel Miranda · Phillipa Soo · Original Broadway Cast of Hamilton Hamilton ℗ 2015 Hamilton Uptown, LLC under exclusive license to Atlantic Recording Corporation
Love Is Strong Steve Rashid
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