The Longest Night

The longest night of the year is upon us, mere days before one of the most beloved holidays of the year. Some observe solstice today, some yule, but whatever you observe today, this is the shortest day and longest night of the year, and the official start to winter.

Throughout history, perhaps as far back as 10,200 BC, interpretations of this day have varied from evil to opportunity, with some ancient people believing that the lack of sunlight on this day was caused by monsters who stole the sun. Other cultures saw the solstice as an opportunity to create light, or goodness, in the face of darkness, or evil.*

Perhaps this is the reason for assigning the time of Christ's birth to the season of the winter solstice, as the sun begins its return to the northern skies and its light overtakes the darkness.

In the busyness of the season, it's easy to lose the true significance of what we celebrate, as the material side of the holiday takes prominence over the spiritual observance of God's Word made flesh and come to live among us, fulfilling ancient promises of the longed-for messiah.

Some of us become so busy with shopping and preparing, going to parties and family gatherings, spending all of our time trying to create a perfect holiday. We also carry with us memories of Christmases past, of loved ones no longer with us, and the sadness of not being able to recreate those precious memories with grandparents, parents, spouses, and even children.

At Eastminster, our Longest Night becomes the time when you can pause and remember, light a candle for a loved one and say a special prayer, and simply sit and enjoy the atmosphere of contemplation in the sanctuary--resetting your soul so that you can be present and peaceful for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Join us tonight, December 21, from 4-6 pm, for the Christmas Season Reset on the Longest Night.

*scienceatl.org