This Sunday is the Winter Solstice – the shortest day and longest night of the year, as well as the beginning of Winter.  The next few weeks are also marked by times of joy and celebrations in many traditions:  Christian hope centered on a child, Jewish hope represented by lasting flames; Kwanzaa hope noting strength of community, and Pagan hope for nature’s rest as part of the natural cycle.   But the clamor, confusion and hurt surrounding us in today’s world can overwhelm our tender hopes. In this Soul Matters service, Susan Kaphammer guides us to lean into the darkness and quiet of the season to find and choose hope.