Beloveds,today the earth preaches before I do.
Without asking permission.
Without a committee meeting.
Without a sermon outline.
The planet tilts—and suddenly, half the world is wrapped in darkness,while the other half stands in overflowing light.
In the north, we reach the longest night.In the south, we bask in the longest day.
Different experiences. Same moment. Same God.
And here’s the first truth the Solstice teaches us:
God is not afraid of contrast.
We are.
We prefer uniformity. Agreement. Everyone feeling the same thing at the same time.
But creation says, Nope.
God builds holiness out of opposites—light and dark, rest and work, silence and song.
Winter Solstice does not say, “Light has lost.”
It says, “The light has gone underground.”
It is incubating. Gathering strength. Learning patience.
Summer Solstice does not say, “More is coming.”
It says, “This is as bright as it gets—now steward it well.”
Because even abundance needs wisdom.
Some of you are standing in winter right now.
Your prayers feel quiet.
Your energy is low.
Your faith feels like a single candle flickering in a long night.
Hear the Gospel of the Solstice:
The darkness has reached its limit.
From this day forward, the light increases—slowly, quietly, faithfully.
Others of you are standing in summer.
Life is full. Busy. Loud. Fruitful.
And the Spirit whispers, “Don’t confuse brightness with permanence.”
Even the longest day bows to evening.
The Solstice humbles us because it reminds us:
You are not stuck. You are in a season.
And seasons are not punishments.
They are teachers.
Jesus understood this.
He prayed in the dark.
He shone in the daylight.
He rested.
He poured himself out.
He trusted the rhythm.
So today, we bless the dark—because it teaches us to listen.
And we bless the light—because it teaches us to give.
We bless the North and the South,the winter souls and the summer souls,the tired and the blazing,the grieving and the grateful.
Because God does not choose between light and dark.
God creates with both.So light a candle.
Step into the sun.
Honor where you are without apology.
The earth is turning.
The light is faithful.
And God is still very much at work.Bright blessings, beloveds.
Amen. 🌍✨
Sister Abigail Hester 
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