Dear Ones,

As I wrote in this column last week, one of the things that attracted me to this congregation was the existence of the different spiritual affinity groups. It’s been interesting to get to know and work with people from each of the groups over the past few years. 

This is the time of year when our different sources – and affinities – come together beautifully. As the days shorten, then begin to lengthen again, we mark the changing seasons with Yule, the Winter Solstice. Honoring our Unitarian and Universalist Christian roots, we light Advent candles, and hold a special Christmas Eve service with more candles. We note the celebration of Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights. We remember Diwali, celebrated by Hindus earlier. 

Light is lifted up and revered, and we will explore a little more about light this coming Sunday. 

Darkness, however, is just as holy. These shorter days and longer nights with less light inspired the title of the hymn, “Dark of Winter,” by the late Shelley Jackson Denham. The dark is a rich place of creativity, a place from which much can emerge after a time of dormancy. We will explore the dark in an upcoming Sunday service.

Another wonderful tradition I enjoy here is singing “Silent Night” under the stars on Christmas Eve. While we won’t be able to circle up outside together this year, we will still have a Christmas Eve service! It will be different, tuning into Lessons & Carols via Zoom. And it will still have some of the familiar readings and music. Please do have a candle of some kind at hand at home for the traditional singing of “Silent Night” by candlelight at the end of the service, as well. 

Thank you for being here, for being part of this Fellowship, and for staying connected! I love you. Keep breathing and stay safe, everyone.

Blessings,
Rev. Lori Hlaban