Each year, as winter takes hold and covers our days with its silent wonder, we are called to reflection. As the shadows grow longer and the nights deepen, we gather in our chapels of faith seeking [comfort and assurance from God].

We light our candles…we sing our songs…we read the ancient words of the prophets and cling to every promise like a quivering leaf on a fading branch.

Then Christmas comes sweeping into our fading hope… The darkened mangers of our hearts are transformed into cradles of light… We find the heart of Christ waiting for us like a sanctuary of life.

And so in the bleak mid-winter we gather to worship at the cradle of the newborn King. We cast away our sin and our sorrows. We put away all of life’s burdens and distractions. …We freely reach for our gift…and it reaches back to us. It is grace…and it is wrapped in a baby named Jesus.

from the forward to Winter’s Grace