The Longest Night of the Year
December 21, 2020
Len Palombi
December 21 marks the Winter Solstice, the longest night of the year. This year it seems the whole year has been shrouded in darkness due to the pandemic. During Advent, we wait in the darkness for Christ to come. Luke 1:46-55 tells of Mary’s song as she anticipates the birth of her Son, Jesus; “… My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior …” How do we find hope in the darkness?
I find hope in the words of the song "The Longest Night" by artist Peter Mayer.
THE LONGEST NIGHT – Peter Mayer
Light a candle, sing a song
Say that the shadows shall not cross
Make an oblation out of all you’ve lost
In the longest night
Gather friends and cast your hopes
Into the fire as it snows
And stare at God through the dark windows
Of the longest night
Of the year
A night that seems like a lifetime
If you’re waiting for the sun
So why not sing to the nighttime
And the burning stars up above?
Come with drums, bells and horns
Or come in silence, come forlorn
Come like a miner to the door
Of the longest night
