The Longest Night

On December 21st, the longest night of the year, about 60 people gathered to remember those for whom the holidays aren't happy times, those who truly experience long, painful nights during the winter. December 21st is Homeless Memorial Day, and the Fargo-Moorhead Coalition for Homeless Persons organized a candlelight vigil to remember those homeless persons who died in our community over the last year.

A pair of boots was laid in the snow for each person who'd died in the streets, each with a tag inscribed with a name and age placed inside. There were 37 pairs of boots laid out that night.

The vigil was attended by shelter workers, faith leaders, concerned people in the community, and homeless persons. One of our small groups, the Man Cave, was there for their volunteer service project. They tended to the fires spread out around the lawn between the Fargo Civic Center and Library. I was glad to be there with them, in the freezing cold, as we listened to friends of the deceased share memories and reflections, and as we were led in prayer by various faith leaders of many traditions.

Sometimes it's easy to forget that the Christmas season isn't a joyous one for everyone. That many people are grieving the loss of loved ones, worrying over lost jobs, experiencing abuse, and sleeping on the streets... And yet, these are those for whom Christmas matters most. Christ, Emmanuel, "God with us" comes to and for those who need God most. And in that, we can be thankful!