We have a strange relationship with Mystery. There are times when we love it. Some of us, at least. Or, maybe it’s more accurate to say that some of us really love solving mysteries.

We thrill at books or films or puzzles that we can try to solve. We might feel a sense of satisfaction when we reach a correct conclusion. Maybe when we don’t figure it out, we feel disappointed. Or even embarrassed. When we learn the answer, it can seem so obvious.

Either way, though, the mystery gets solved. A character in a book or movie provides the answer, whether we guess right or wrong. There’s a little bit of comfort in just knowing there’s a correct answer that makes sense.

But what about mysteries that can’t be wrapped up so neatly? What about questions that don’t have a simple answer? Or questions that don’t have an answer at all? Sometimes we aren’t so enamored with mystery. A lot of us prefer feeling certain about as much as we can.

Even though we say “direct experiences of transcending mystery and wonder are a primary source of inspiration,” it can be a real challenge for us to open ourselves up to not knowing. To risk the vulnerability of uncertainty. Especially when so many of us take great pride in our knowledge. We can scare ourselves out of a deep and meaningful connection to Mystery.

Throughout the month of December, we’ll be exploring our relationship with Mystery. First, we’ll consider why Mystery is so important for people who aim to live with integrity to life-affirming values. That will be this Sunday, when we’ll also welcome musical guests Windsong.

Then, on December 10, we’ll delve into how we might invite a deeper relationship with Mystery that has the potential to “open our hearts, renew our spirits, and transform our lives.” (We’ll follow that service with a potluck meal together!)

Mike Carney will lead a special holiday musical service And Peace on Earth… December 17, and you’ll be able to read all about that in an upcoming Musical Musings.

That brings us to December 24. In the morning, we’ll gather in the Fellowship Hall to share winter-themed poems and readings, with a smattering of winter songs. That evening, beginning at 5:30 PM, we’ll be treated to music from many of UUCC’s talented young people, followed by a Christmas Eve service that will feature a new take on our familiar tableau. Cliff Wire is organizing a time of treats and socializing after the service.

Lots of great opportunities for us to share music and food in the month ahead! But we won’t be quite finished with Mystery, because we have an exciting and playful worship experience in store for December 31. After that, we’ll escape from 2023 and venture into the unknown expanse before us. And we’ll keep becoming the best traveling companions we could hope to be for one another.