Each year, this time, we gather round, in darkness to behold

The miracle of love we find,within, when it grows cold!

We lift up stories, songs and such, passed down from long ago

Discovering there, reminders of, the truths, that help us grow!

The miracles of Chanukah, of Yule-time fires shared,

Of Jesus born amidst the straw, deserve to be declared!

So as you move into the day, and Winter’s darkest hour,

Commit to hope, commit to love, as life’s most precious power!

(The Rev. Stefanie Etzbach-Dale, 2010)