This solstice night [or day]
In honor of ancient traditions that celebrate this time of longest night,
we observe that the flaming chalice holds the elements of the four directions:
Earth, air, fire, water.
The lamp oil for earth
The air that feeds the flame
The fire we light

And the chalice itself, the cup, the symbol of water
We light our chalice and reflect on the light we need to guide us through hard times:
the light of our shared faith,
the light of loving community,
the light of love, joy, and hope.