The longest night happens twice a year at the winter solstice. In the northern hemisphere it occurs around December 21 and in the southern hemisphere it happens around June 21. The winter solstice occurs when one of the Earth’s poles has its maximum tilt away from the sun.

For Christians, the longest night is traditionally a day to show love and concern for friends and family members who are struggling with darkness and grief over losing loved ones. In the northern hemisphere it is sometimes referred to as “Blue Christmas” as it occurs two to three days before Christmas. It is an occasion to reflect on and remember God’s love for us as we support and reassure those who are dealing with grief during this time of year.

This Milestone Moment consists of two pages that are reproducible in your local setting. It can be sent in emails or printed.
· Page 1 describes the significance of the moment and the importance of observing it.
· Page 2 provides a conversation guide* that includes talking and listening to one another, reading a verse/s from the Bible, and a prayer and blessing. It includes a food for thought question on how one might show love for one’s neighbor through an act of service.

All Milestone Moment Conversation Guides are designed and based on the *Four Key Faith Formation Practices of Caring Conversations, Devotions, Rituals and Traditions, and Service. These practices encourage us to grow in our faith through personal, trusted relationships.

These pottery Rituals and Traditions Stone for Gifting are individually hand-crafted and available at a low cost to purchase and gift as meaningful reminders of this Milestone Moment. They are a wonderful keepsake to remind us of God’s love shining through the darkness in the world.