Support for When Shadows and Nights are Long During the Holidays

The Winter Solstice on December 21st is the literal longest night of the year in the northern hemisphere. Like the holidays themselves, they stir up a mix of feelings. Let us companion you through them.

Writing Prompts from WTC Editor & Instructor Amy-Lyles Wilson:

1. Read “Longest Night” by Ann Weems and write about where you see hope in today’s world. What assures you that “even now” we can have hope?

“Longest Night”

The Christmas Spirit
is that hope
which tenaciously clings
to the hearts of the faithful
and announces
in the face
of any Herod the world can produce
and all the inn doors slammed in our faces
and all the dark nights of our souls
that with God
all things are possible,
that even now
unto us
a child is born.

—Ann Weems, Kneeling in Bethlehem
https://www.knoxtoronto.org/updates/church-resources-a-liturgy-for-a-longest-night-service

2. Read “A Litany of Remembrance” and write about what the piece brings up in you. Who are you remembering this season?

“A Litany of Remembrance”

In the rising of the sun and in its going down, we remember them.
In the blowing of the wind and in the chill of winter, we remember them.
In the opening of buds and in the rebirth of spring, we remember them.
In the blueness of the sky and in the warmth of summer, we remember them.
In the rustling of leaves and in the beauty of autumn, we remember them.
In the beginning of the year and when it ends, we remember them.
So long as we live, they too shall live, for they are now a part of us, as we remember them.
When we are weary and in need of strength, we remember them.
When we are lost and sick at heart, we remember them.
When we have joys we yearn to share, we remember them.
So long as we live, they too shall live, for they are now a part of us, as we remember them.

—Rabbis Sylvan Kamens & Jack Riemer. Gates of Prayer, Central Conference of American Rabbis

3. Write a letter to your loss (or your grief or wound). It's simple, pick up a pen and simply begin with "Dear Loss..."

A Video Meditation with the Holy Family guided by WTC Executive Director and Instructor, Kasey Hitt

Through this guided prayer from our School of Spiritual Direction, you're invited to allow the vulnerable parts of you to be held by the Holy Family. Go here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSR_-Oqmwq0

A Recorded Longest Night Service

Although we will not be hosting a service this year, last year's service can companion you through the long, dark night. Watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6zFWFnpmTI

Music Video Meditations from WTC Composer & Visual Media Editor, Russ Hitt

Watch or close your eyes and listen to Liminal Space or Some of Us.

For more music to accompany you in through the holidays, find Russ' two albums, The Longest Night and The Longing for Home https://www.russellhittmusic.com/ or anywhere you stream music.