December 21: The Longest Night

Around this time of year, the night is as long as it gets. Some years, that feels very fitting.

In the northern half of the world, the winter solstice falls right around now. It’s the shortest day and the longest night of the year. The sun comes up late and goes down early. Darkness takes up most of the clock.

For some people, this season matches what’s going on inside. Long, dark nights in the soul. Grief. Depression. Fear. Struggles with cravings. Relationships that haven’t healed. Christmas lights everywhere, but darkness still sitting heavy.

John’s Gospel begins with a bold claim about Jesus. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness hasn’t overcome it. Notice that he doesn’t say there’s no darkness. He says there’s light in it. And the darkness can’t put it out.

That’s a promise to hold onto on long nights. Darkness is real. But it doesn’t get the last word. The light is already shining, even if it’s small. Even a single candle changes a dark room.

And here’s something hopeful about the solstice. After tonight, the days start getting longer again. Just a minute or two at a time at first. You won’t notice it right away. But the turn has already happened. Light is on its way back.

Recovery often works like that. The turn happens before you can feel it. You make a decision. You go to a meeting. You pray. You make a call. And slowly, almost without noticing, the days start getting longer.

If this is a dark season for you, don’t sit in it alone. Tell someone. Go to a meeting. Many churches hold Longest Night services around now, quiet times of prayer for people who are struggling during the holidays. If the darkness is deep or you’re thinking about hurting yourself, call or text 988.

And if you’re in a lighter season, look around. Someone near you might be in a long night. Be a candle for them.

One thing today

Light a candle tonight. Sit with it for five minutes and pray for one person you know who’s in a dark season. Tomorrow, reach out to them.

A prayer

Jesus, light of the world, shine in my darkness tonight. Thank You that the dark can’t overcome You. Help me hold on until morning, and help me be a light to someone else. Amen.

Being a light for others is Step Twelve.

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