The Longest Night A Gathering on the Winter Solstice Monday, December 21, 2015 Orchard Valley United Church 130 Cornwallis Ave, New Minas NS (902) 681-0366
THE LONGEST NIGHT I will give you the treasurers of darkness. (Is. 45:3) Words of Welcome: The Gathering * Please rise in body and/or spirit (Thea) Welcome to this Longest Night service. This is the season we experience the shortest day of the year, and longest periods of darkness. For some, it is also the winter of our discontent, the long dark night of the soul, in which memories of past experiences, the pain of the present, and fear of the future can be overwhelming, making it difficult to join in the merry making and celebrations of Christmas. Tonight we come together to acknowledge our sadness and concerns, to receive the words of strengthening and hope that speak to us in the midst of sorrow, and to remember that we are not alone. Call to Worship: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; on those who live in a land of deep shadow, a light has shone. For the yoke that was weighing upon them, and the burden upon their shoulders, Thou hast broken in pieces, O God, our Strength and our Redeemer. Hymn: Healer of Our Every Ill VU #619 * Prayer of Confession: (All) God of light, born among us in the Holy Child whose bright spirit lightens our entire world, we recognize the darkness 1
in us and among us, which keeps us away from your healing love. God of promise, born among us in the Holy Child whose life was a promise of hope for the whole world, we recognize that we have forgotten how to follow your teaching and bring your hope to others. God of glory, born among us in the Holy Child who was surrounded by the glory of the angels song, we recognize that we have often been blind to the glorious possibilities in life, which your Love could open up to us. God of light, promise and glory, forgive us, and with your love lead us in a new way of living, healing, simplicity, humility and peace. Amen. * Assurance of Forgiveness: (Thea) The light of Christ comes to us at Christmas time to expose and dispel our darkness. You are not alone. In the light of love, God s spirit of comfort, kindness and compassion will open your eyes to God s vision and fill your heart with peace. Thanks be to God. * Hymn: Born in the Night, Mary s Child VU #95 Isaiah 40: Hearing God s Word A Liturgy Of Remembering 2 (Nancy) Our first scripture was written in a time when many of the people of Judah had been killed or taken as captives into exile in Babylon. They were feeling crushed and without hope. Comfort, comfort my people, says our God. Encourage the people of Jerusalem, and tell them that their time of suffering is
ended. With whom will you compare me? Who is my equal? asks the Holy One. Look up to the heavens! Who made the stars, if not the One who leads them out like an army, calling each one by its own name? So mighty is God s power and strength that not one fails to answer. Israel, why then do you complain that our God does not know your troubles or care if you suffer injustice? Our God, the everlasting God, the creator of the farthest parts of the earth, never grows tired or weary. No one can fathom the depths of God s understanding. God gives power to the faint and strength to the powerless They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings as eagles. They shall run, and not be weary. They shall walk, and not faint. The Candle of Hope: (Nancy) This first candle we light is to remember those whom we have loved and lost. We pause to remember their name, their face, their voice, and the memory that binds them to us in this season. May God s eternal love surround them. (a moment of silence while the candle is lit) Hymn: A Candle is Burning VU #6, v1 Responsive Psalm 121: (Norma) I lift up mine eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from God who made heaven and earth. God will not let your foot stumble. The One who protects you will not slumber. Behold the One who keeps all people shall not slumber nor sleep. God is your keeper. The sun shall not hurt you by day nor the moon by night. 3
God will protect you from evil and shall preserve your soul. Our God will protect your going and coming, now and forever. The Candle of Peace: 4 (Norma) This second candle we light is to redeem the pain of loss; the loss of relationships, the loss of jobs, the loss of health. We pause to gather up the pain of the past and offer it to God, asking that from God s hands we receive the gift of peace. Refresh, restore, renew us O God, and lead us into your future. (a moment of silence while the candle is lit) Hymn: A Candle is Burning VU #6, v2 Matthew 1 and 2: (Valerie) The story of the first Christmas is not really a happy story, but a story about life in the real world. Mary discovers she is pregnant. Not wanting to embarrass her, Joseph plans on breaking the engagement privately. At the same time, King Herod ruled Palestine with cruelty and oppression not exactly ideal conditions for bringing a child into the world. In the midst of their turmoil, God s messenger speaks to Joseph in a dream and tells him to proceed with the marriage. (Matthew1:18-24) Imagine Mary and Joseph s joy over the safe birth of their son, Jesus, and then their fear as King Herod orders the death of all children under 2. The Holy family flees as refugees to Egypt until it is safe to return. (Matthew 2:7-23) The Candle of Joy: (Valerie) This third candle we light is to remember the refugees of today, and our own times of exile and loneliness. We pause and remember these past weeks and months; the disbelief, the anger, the down times, and the hugs, handshakes and helping hands of family, friends, and
strangers who stand with us and others in times of need. We give thanks for God s love shown through support, care, compassion, and understanding. Let us remember that dawn defeats the darkness; love defeats hatred and fear. (a moment of silence while the candle is lit) Hymn: A Candle is Burning VU #6, v3 John 1: Matthew and Luke describe Jesus birth in Bethlehem with stories of visits from shepherds and Magi, but John s gospel speaks of Jesus as God s word for all humanity, as God s word spoken through this one born into a hurting world. He also describes Jesus birth as light in our darkness. (Thea) Before the world was created, the word already existed; the word was with God, and was the same as God. From the very beginning the word was with God. Through the word, God made all things new. Not one thing in all creation was made without the word. The word contained life and this life brought light to all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has never overpowered it. The true light that enlightens all people came into the world. And the word was made flesh, and lived among us; and we saw his glory, full of grace and truth. The Candle of Love: (Thea) This fourth candle is lit to remember our faith and the gift of hope, which the Christmas story offers to us. We remember that God, who shares our life, promises us a place and time of no more pain and suffering. Let us remember the one who shows the way, who brings the truth and who bears the light. (a moment of silence while the candle is lit) Hymn: A Candle is Burning VU #6, v4 5
Prayers for the People The Response Solo: In the Bleak Mid-Winter (Caroline) During the singing of the solo, each person is invited to come forward to light a candle, place it in the dish of sand, and silently offer up concerns in prayer. Following the last candle lit: In the spirit of courage and community, we pray together saying: Where there is emptiness, may we find a fullness. Where there is cold, may we find warmth. Where there is guilt, may we know forgiveness. Where there is grief, may there be comfort. Where there are tears, may they be shared. Where there is fear, may there be courage. Where there are memories, May we find hope, joy, peace and love. In the broken and whole places within us, May we know light in our darkness. We are not alone. Hymn: Silent Night VU #67 ** ** ** *Prayers and readings from tonight s service have been adapted from the Whole People of God Resources, December 1988, and Prayers for Services 1998/99. You are welcome here. Following the service, we invite you to remain for cider and fellowship. 6
Thanks to: Members of local Prayer Shawl groups Organist Ken Hassell Clarinetist Debbie Mailman Readers Nancy Handrigan, Norma Mailman, Valerie Mosher Vocalist Caroline Burton Presider Thea Burton ANNOUNCEMENTS Christmas Eve Services 5:00 pm Family Service, Orchard Valley United Church 7:00 pm Communion Service, Orchard Valley United Church 11:00 pm Evening Service, Covenanter Church, Grand Pré Church Office Closed for the Holidays The Office will be closed December 24 through January 4 inclusive. We apologize for any inconvenience. 1 st Sunday Worship after Christmas December 27, 11:00 am, Orchard Valley United Church