Late last week, the Springfield Area Freethinkers put up the following sign in the Illinois State Capitol rotunda:

This Winter Solstice, as blue-robed Earth tilts her face to the kiss of the waking sun, let us gather to tend the fire at Reason’s hearth, whose beacon shines for all the world. There may every one of us light a torch of truth and find our way to wisdom.

With unfearing good will, we wish all people to share in the joyous gifts that await the children of the Enlightenment: freedom, peace, and endless love of understanding. Let hearts be lightened and dreams be dared in the brightening days that light the growth of this newborn year.