Embracing the darkness

This year, we decided not to contrast darkness as evil with light that is good as we approached the weekly services leading up to the Solstice. We framed darkness as a quiet place where resolve can be strengthened, change of attitude can occur, and rest can be achieved. We used this lovely meditation from a piece titled, Winter, by Daniel O'Connell, found in the essential book, Rejoice Together: prayers, meditations and other readings for family, individual ans small group worship, edited by Helen Pickett, Skinner House, 2006,  as our opening invocation:

This is the season where stillness reigns.  (pause)

Is it the silence of death?  (pause)

Is it the silent of hiberation?  (pause) 

It is a quiet time – even the birds are still.  (pause)

Perhaps the earth becomes quiet so that we can better hear

The Spirit of Life, who is always whispering to us.  (pause)

And so I say, Okay, Spirit of Life – I’m listening now.              (pause)

                                                                                        Daniel O’Connell