In the Northern Hemisphere, December 21 is the longest night, the winter solstice. It marks the shortest day of the year, the official start of winter. Tradition says that nature and all her creatures stop and hold their breath to see if the sun will turn back from its wanderings, if the days will lengthen and the earth will once again feel the sun’s warmth. In honor of the darkest day of the year, we come with our honest yearnings seeking the return of light and hope.

On this night, we gather together in community to express the sighs too deep for words and name our deepest longings.