My God, my love, my encircler,
Each day, each night,
Each light, each dark,
Be near me, uphold me,
My treasure, my truth
-John Philip Newell

God of light and darkness, you give us seasons, reminding us of your presence in the bleak as well as the brilliance. In these days of chaos and skepticism, you remind us of the predictable patterns that offer us comfort.

As billions of people in the Northern Hemisphere are preparing to celebrate the summer solstice, at the exact same moment, those in the Southern Hemisphere will mark the winter solstice.

We thank our Creator for the light that is extended to all who seek hope and rebirth, and for the quiet and mystery of darkness.

We offer thanks for Stonehenge in Wiltshire, England, where the sunrise on summer solstice aligns perfectly with a circle carved in stone at the site. Mystical seekers and history buffs convene here on the solstice to witness an architectural wonder, an ancient mystery that researchers still can’t explain.

We thank God for the pyramids of Chichén Itzá on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, where the precise engineering of the pyramids creates a visual display twice a year in which the central pyramid of El Castillo is bathed in pure sunlight on one side and full shadow on the other, creating the illusion that the pyramid appears to be cut in two.

We have been blessed with the Tyrolean region of Austria, where the long hours of sunlight are celebrated with bonfires inspired by ancient tribal customs. Lit across rural areas in an incarnation of earth worship, the fires attract revelers drawn by both mysticism and paganism—around a campfire with a panoramic view.

We recognize God’s gift to us in Rasa, Lithuania, where dew drops were considered a sacred manifestation of life by worshipers in ancient Lithuania, and on the morning of the summer solstice, the dewdrops were thought to have mystical divining qualities.

My God, my love, my encircler,
Each day, each night,
Each light, each dark,
Be near me, uphold me,
My treasure, my truth

We offer thanks for Machu Picchu, Peru, where during the winter solstice, the rising sun aligns perfectly with the Intihuatana Stone, a sacred rock that was used by Incas as an astronomic clock and ritual device.

We thank God for the Atacama Desert, Chile, where this arid desert is known for some of the darkest and clearest skies on Earth. The remote location, high altitude, and dry climate create optimal conditions for stargazing.

We have been blessed with Sydney, Australia, where the annual Festival of Lights marks the winter solstice where the city comes alive with mesmerizing light installations, art displays, and music performances.

We recognize God’s gift to us in Cape Town, South Africa, where the tradition is to greet the winter solstice with great reverence, to set intentions for the season, and to prepare hearty stews and hot beverages to share with neighbors.

My God, my love, my encircler,
Each day, each night,
Each light, each dark,
Be near me, uphold me,
My treasure, my truth
Amen.