On Thursday, December 21, 2023, at 10:27 PM (EST),
the northern hemisphere will experience the Winter Solstice,
that moment in time of ultimate darkness.
I send a prayer of blessing to you all in that sacred moment.
Music: To counterpoint your quiet, here’s a high-spirited welcome to the Solstice from Jethro Tull.
Now is the solstice of the year
Winter is the glad song that you hear
Seven maids move in seven time
Have the lads up ready in a line
Ring out these bells
Ring out, ring solstice bells
Ring solstice bells
Join together ‘neath the mistletoe,
By the holy oak whereon it grows
Seven druids dance in seven time
Sing the song the bells call, loudly chiming
Ring out these bells
Ring out, ring solstice bells
Ring solstice bells
Ring out, ring out the solstice bells
Ring out, ring out the solstice bells
Praise be to the distant sister sun,
Joyful as the silver planets run
Seven maids move in seven time
Sing the song the bells call, loudly chiming
Ring out these bells
Ring out, ring solstice bells
Ring solstice bells
Ring on, ring out
Ring on, ring out
Ring on, ring out
Ring on, ring out
Lavish Mercy 
This is beautiful! Thank you! 🩵🙏🏻
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It warms my heart that you include the summer and winter solstice events – how important to embrace our full Christmas experience throughout our world/institute. As we in the north are at the shortest day, longing for light, our southern counterparts are basking in the fullness of light, and those at the equator in the constancy of light. O come rising Sun. Have a wonderful Christmas, Renee
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Beautiful, Katie!❤️🙏☀️
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What a beautiful poem, Sister!
With all of the focus during Advent on the anticipated celebration of Jesus’s birth, some people may miss this passage (solstice) in time.
May I post your poem on my Facebook page, if I credit you for the piece?
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Yes. Thank you, Dee.
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Thank you, Sister,
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