Longest Night 2024

Image: “The Story in Shadow"Jan Richardson

On this winter solstice, this blessing is for you, again, or for someone you love. Because for so many folks, it has been a year of very long nights. So I am setting this on your doorstep, tucked beneath a thermos of hot cocoa and some of your favorite cookies.

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taken from “BLESSING FOR THE LONGEST NIGHT”

This blessing

does not mean

to take the night away,

but it knows

its hidden roads,

knows the resting spots

along the path,

knows what it means

to travel

in the company

of a friend.

So when

this blessing comes,

take its hand.

Get up.

Set out on the road

you cannot see.

This is the night

when you can trust

that any direction

you go,

you will be walking

toward the dawn.

—Jan Richardson

The Cure for Sorrow: A Book of Blessings for Times of Grief