Sir Godfrey Gregg

Today is the Winter Solstice—the longest night of the year. From this point forward, the days will slowly begin to grow longer again. It’s no coincidence that so many cultures, long before modern Christmas traditions, celebrated festivals of light at this darkest time of the year.

We continue that ancient, human tradition. We string lights, light candles, and gather around fires. We are, in a very real sense, defiantly creating our own suns, pushing back against the darkness both literally and metaphorically. Our celebrations are a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, our unwavering belief that light will always return.

As you light a candle tonight, let it be a symbol of your own inner light—your hope, your love, your faith. Let it represent your commitment to be a source of warmth for others in their darkest times. On this longest night, we affirm that the light is coming, and until it arrives, we will be the light for one another.