Quiet Christmas Service

We lit our candles

thinking of loved ones

who aren't with us this Christmas

Some have died

some are far away

some are lost

some are estranged

we only know they are not here

and we miss them.

We lit our candles

taking some time

out of the bustle of the season

to remember those we love.

We lit our candles

and placed them on the cross

remembering Mary

whose heart was pierced with sorrow

even as she cradled her newborn son.

We lit our candles,

the flames flickered

their reflection comforting,

spreading light

through our darkness.

We lit our candles

and it was good to share with others,

to remember that we are not alone

in our loss

to remember

the love that came down

at Christmas.

We lit our candles

and somehow

our loved ones

seemed close

and hope was ignited again

as we remembered

that love never dies.

And the light that came into the world

can never be put out.