Help me feel the calm in the storm—even the ones of my own making.

Hope seeks out the forgotten places...

The magic of Christmas doesn't just happen: It’s made, just like how each year a miracle is celebrated. But that very first Christmas—that miracle—didn’t just happen either…

Some years are hard. Some holidays won’t feel jolly. Some days are best kept In quiet contemplation. But none of that makes this time less holy. None of that makes you less worthy…

The old story of the nativity speaks to us anew

Here in the quiet, may we lift up our hearts in gratitude for the gifts of our lives, pausing in thanksgiving.

Later, poets would tell of stars, shepherds, and seers, songs of angels…

The winter holidays are beautiful and celebratory; they’re also hard and complicated.

Fear not, the angels would text me. Hallelujah, I’d write back.

We pause on this night of mystery, to tell the stories, to sing the songs, and to bring more light into the world.

Pause here, and be renewed and restored.

We light this chalice, here in the darkness of winter as we wait.

December seventh, "Eight Candles" (1970). Malvina Reynolds was a 20th century Jewish, Unitarian Universalist, socialist, songwriter, and performer who is best known for her song “Little Boxes.” In 1970 she recorded the Hanukkah Song “Eight Candles.” It has since become a holiday favorite.

Grief is welcome, a sacred part of the mourning.

May we continue to find ways to connect while keeping safe this holiday season.

Each Advent, my empathy for Mary’s situation returns.

The stories remind us there is still and always joy in this world, but it usually comes right alongside the struggle.