Let us hold a quiet moment together as our chalice is lit.
As the wild wind bites, so does the still flame warm us.
As the deep snows block our doors, so does the gentle flame bring us out.
As the crackling cold air stops our breath, so does the radiant flame draw from us
the words we need to give and to receive:
words of greeting, words of comfort, words of solace,
words to challenge our minds and words to bring us to action.
Let us gaze upon this our common flame,
so that we remember who we are and what we can do
when we are together.