Today we sit on the Eve of the longest night, that day when the sun seems farthest away, and the dark night at its most oppressive. So too do we sit on the edge of Christmas, that season of light, family, and jollity.

 But even as we sit on the cusp of celebration, so we remember that Christmas is not always a season of light and joy, that for many of us there will be an empty seat in the living room, someone missing from Christmas table: a voice now silent, laughter not heard.

 In this service we remember those who we love but will not see: those from whom we are separated by sickness, death, or some other reason, and we remember them and name them before God.