Each
year, around about December 21st, the Earth’s northern pole reaches its maximum
tilt away from the Sun, creating the shortest day and longest night. At the
same time, many folks who are going through trying times of loss and grief
often feel disconnected from the spirit of the holidays of this season. Feeling
out of synch with the seasonal holidays such as Christmas and New Year’s,
compounds feelings of isolation and sadness. Perhaps it is the first Christmas
since the loss of a loved one or the anniversary of their passing. Maybe a long-term
relationship has failed or a job has been lost. In the midst of all the holiday
frenzy, some feel left out as they endure the long night for their soul.
This year, Saint Peter’s Church in Lewes is offering a virtual space to join
together
with others in similar situations in prayer and contemplation. Our Longest
Night service will be held online on Wednesday, December 21st at 7pm on
Facebook, YouTube and in-person. In this service, we will be given a chance to
lay our burdens before God as we gather together to pray. We will recall the
loving kindness of a God who never gives up on us as we offer up our pain,
sadness and loneliness and seek consolation and comfort. We pray and hope that
all who participate will find peace and consolation in knowing they are not
alone and that they are beloved by God.
The longest night
December
21, 2022 at 7pm