The dark shadow of space leans over us ...
We are mindful that the darkness of greed, exploitation,
and hatred also lengthens its shadow over our small planet Earth.
As our ancestors feared death and evil and all the dark powers of winter,
we fear that the darkness of war, discrimination, and selfishness
may doom us and our planet to an eternal winter.

May we find hope in the lights we have kindled on this sacred night,
hope in one another and in all who form the web-work of peace
and justice that spans the world.

In the heart of every person on this Earth burns the spark of luminous goodness;
in no heart is there total darkness.
May we who have celebrated this winter solstice,
​by our lives and service, by our prayers and love,
call forth from one another the light and the love that is hidden in every heart.
~ ​Edward Hays ~