The longest night

John 1:5

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.

We light 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 light our candles

taking some time

out of the bustle of the season

to remember those we love.

We light our candles

and place them on the cross

remembering Mary

whose heart was pierced with sorrow

even as she cradled her newborn son.

We light our candles,

the flames flicker

their reflection 

spreads light

through our darkness.

We light our candles

and it is good to share with others,

to remember that we are not alone

that even the longest night

holds the promise of dawn