My friend Tracy recently shared with a group of us how she has developed a deeper appreciation of routine and ritual these days.

A favorite ritual is the one where she puts away her warm weather wear and takes out her favorite, comfy sweaters. This is soon followed by the dusting off of the wool blanket from her closet and placing it, folded, at the foot of her bed, where it keeps her toes toasty and is within easy reach, at night. Eventually, the blanket migrates to its permanent winter residence, sandwiched between her top sheet and comforter.

Another friend enjoys his routine of morning prayer, when he gazes at each of the many photographs of beloved family and friends close by his bedside, faces of dear ones near and far, including some who are now beyond the veil.

I myself am finding particular comfort and nourishment in my daily practice of yoga and meditation, along with my routine of stroking our cat Olmsted’s soft, white fur – from the top of his head, all along his back and down to the tip of his tail — when he greets me at the front door and purrs his appreciation of this kind of attention.

And then, of course, there are our routines and rituals, as we prepare to celebrate Christmas. Lists to make and check off, errands to run, gifts to select and wrap, treats and goodies to bake. Our family has begun taking turns each evening, giving a different person the chance to open a window of our Advent calendar and enjoy the tiny piece of chocolate inside after identifying its shape for the rest of us.

Here at Redeemer, the routines and rituals that signal a new season are well underway. Gone are the green altar hangings, now replaced by purple. The giant wreath suspended from the ceiling in the big church by the south transept (south wing) now hangs lower, with one candle lit and the other three soon to follow. Bert and choir are getting ready for Lessons & Carols; Robert and Connections, our Dark-Light Service. Our Dads’ Group is all set to green the church, and Mark Schroeder is ready to receive our Christmas trees.

Our rituals and routines can help point us, especially in times of change and uncertainty, towards that which our souls long for. There is a night prayer found in our Book of Common Prayer that gives voice to the grace offered by the Great Mystery That Is (which some of us call “God”) and remains steadfast as Presence, even when all else fades away

“Be present, O merciful God, and protect us through the hours of this night, so that we who are wearied by the changes and chances of this life may rest in your eternal changelessness.”

Wherever you are on your journey of faith, as we approach the longest night of the year, may you find comfort and reassurance in the knowledge that, as sure as day follows night, the longest night marks the beginning of our turning together towards more and more light.

Love,
Cristina