The winter solstice happens on the day with the fewest daylight hours of any other day of the year, therefore it has the longest night.
In the northern hemisphere the longest night occurs overnight Dec. 21-22. Over the centuries many cultures have adopted rituals, traditions, and festivities to mark the transition as lengthening darkness changes toward increasing light.
Relatively recently, this night has come to be a time for those in grief, or otherwise uncomfortable with the flashier celebrations associated with Christmas, to experience a more contemplative celebration of Jesus’ birth as Emmanuel, God with us.
On Dec. 21 at 7:00 BSLC will hold a Longest Night time of worship. We remember that in our seasons of pain, regret, or sorrow we do not journey alone. May you find reassurance, however fragile, in knowing that Christ’s light will not be overcome. Even in the darkest of nights we have hope of shalom – a peace that is beyond understanding and a wholeness coming upon even the most broken of hearts.
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