The Longest Night

I had to share this photo ~ even tho' it's a little hard to see ( because someone...me...forgot to bring her camera, and this is a phone picture, thanks to a friend :) Our church family added a *new* service to the pack this Christmas: called "The Longest Night" because of the Winter Solstice when it's the least amount of daylight (hence the most amount of darkness)We had communion, took a candle and lit it from the Christ candle, then walked over to the altar and lit another candle, representing laying our burdens at the feet of Jesus. It was pretty therapeutic:) Mostly it was for folks who may not be having the merriest of Christmases, due to whatever season of life they are in...grief, loss, anxiety, financial difficulty, you name it...we all have some! It was so peaceful, serene, beautiful, hopeful, and wonderful. I think a few healing tears were shed by everyone :) I was honored to be a small part of it. If you squint you can also see the chancel area which has been transformed into the backdrop for the youth Christmas Eve service. God's Peace ><>