Selected Readings for Illuuminations

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Opening Words 

Here we have gathered in faith and fellowship.  May the light of the solstice sun, the beam of the Christmas star, the glow of the season's candle and the beacon of our own chalice illuminate the darkness of our days and of our souls. 

Closing Words

Our lives have been illuminated by our fellowship.  Go now in peace with the knowledge that your light may offer a beacon in the darkness while our lights remain aglow to shine upon your path. 

An illUUmination Blessing

We have gathered this day in faith and fellowship to celebrate the chalice.  May the light we have kindled illuminate our path so that we may seek always the truth; may the light we have shared ignite our passion so that we may seek always justice; may the light we have celebrated shine always each of our hearts so that we may offer a weary world hope and kindness and the promise of everlasting love.  May the consecrating of this day and the blessings of this season bring to us and to our world strength, compassion and joy enough to illuminate our darkest nights and to fill our days with wonder. 

An illUUmination Grace

I thank whatever gods may be
And the godliness in you and me
For this light-made food I take in
And use to shine my light again.

Thankful for the heightened gleam
I'll shine my light on widest beam
To cherish each and every hue
For the gold at rainbow's end is You.

Benediction 

(#704 in Singing the Living Tradition)

Go out into the highways and byways.
Give the people something of your new vision.
You may possess a small light,
but uncover it, let it shine,
use it in order to bring more light and understanding
to the hearts and minds of men and women.

Give them not hell, but hope and courage;
preach the kindness and everlasting love of God.