Tonight, at 10:27 p.m. EST, the sun will shine above the Tropic of Capricorn in the southern hemisphere. This solstice will signal the transition to winter north of the equator and summer to the south. For us, today is the shortest day and longest night of the year. 

For many in our congregation, that's a fitting description for this season of life, not just today. Darkness seems to prevail, a long night of the soul. Many grieve the loss of loved ones. Others face their looming departure. Some face illnesses for which there is no easy solution, and even the "care" hurts. There are those out of work and wondering how to buy groceries and pay bills. It might be difficulties in marriage or turmoil in the broader family. It could be battles against controlling influences. Or it could be a specter of spiritual darkness oppressing the soul from which there is no immediate relief. The list goes on. 

When I think and pray over such things, I recall this lyric from a Christmas carol and the quote below from G.K. Chesterton about the birth of Christ:

In the bleak midwinter
Frosty wind made moan
Earth stood hard as iron
Water like a stone
Snow had fallen
Snow on snow on snow

Let's keep praying for each other, ministering to needs, and loving each other as we celebrate the never-ending grace of God in Jesus on the shortest day of the year. 

And remember: the winter solstice brings an exceptionally dark day, but the light glows a little longer and brighter every day ahead. May your enjoyment of the Light of Christ shine ever-brighter as the long winter gives way to spring.