Secular Solstice

Once upon a time, the night was dark,
and so humans created light.

Once upon a time, the winter was cold,
and so humans built shelter for warmth.

Once upon a time, there was hunger,
and so we grew food.

Once upon a time, there was suffering,
and so we helped, as best we could.

.

There is still darkness, cold, hunger and pain. There is work yet undone. The story of civilization is not finished. But we have journeyed far together.
And as the winter season sets upon us, we will gather and sing of how humankind transformed the season of darkness into a festival of light.