“At the center of our being there is light and there is darkness,
the known and the unknown, the named and the nameless, the finite and the infinite.
Light and dark are different, but not opposed to each other.
They are friends with one another,
and with us.”
From “Solstice” by Rev. Gary Kowalski
Dear First Universalist Friends,
Happy Solstice! There are brighter days ahead!
But before the days begin to lengthen -
Let me invite you to just relax and enjoy the stillness, the quiet, and the peace available during these beautifully dark days. I know the darkness might feel extra dark this year, the stillness extra still, but I’ve noticed when I just take a breath, light a candle, and accept the perennial turning of our earth with wonder and joy, there is much spaciousness and creativity to be found in these long nights.
Having trouble locating that wonder and joy? Not sure how to accept the dark, cold days?
Might I suggest, lighting a candle each evening. Really, give it a try. Maybe turn all the lights off in your house, make yourself a warm beverage, sit in a place you feel comfortable, and light a candle. Sit and enjoy the light, the dark, and the quiet for a few minutes. Try it with the whole family, try it by yourself, try it and just see what happens. Make it an evening ritual. I mean, why not, right? (I think you’ll find that it’s nice.)
There are many rules we must follow this year for our safety and the safety of everyone we to encounter, but, as I see it, as long as you are following those safety rules - there are no rules for how you bring the holy, the divine, the beauty of what you feel is most sacred and important into your heart, mind, and home this season. Go wild with making your home a sanctuary, go wild with making every space you inhabit sacred. Light a candle in the dark and see what happens.
First U, we continue our celebration of this densely packed season of darkness and light, holy days and holidays, song and silence, festivity and stillness in the days ahead. Read on to learn of our many offerings this week. Come to all of ‘em, come to some of ‘em, come maybe if you feel like it, or go out and do what feels right and good - and safe - for you. I look forward to hearing all about what you see in the dark and what you feel in the light. Happy Solstice and Merry Christmas, may your days ahead be filled with wonder and joy.
Yours in putting some more lights on the tree,
Rev. Hillary
