A Light in the Dark
Just a small amount of light can bring hope in the darkness.
There has always been something magical to me about the winter solstice. This day falls on or near December 21st. It’s the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. It is also the darkest day, meaning from this point forward the days will begin adding more light.
Our ancestors lived very differently than we do and much more in tune with the seasons. Spring was a time for planting and summer growing and nurturing the food, and then comes the fall harvesting and storing up for the winter months. During the winter they lived off what they saved from the prior months. It was a time to slow down and contemplate life. It was a hibernation of sorts as they went to bed early to preserve their only light source of candles, and slept under warm covers later than usual before getting up to brave the cold. After winter solstice, it was celebrated as they knew that the days would get longer from here. They were on the way back to springtime.
As I’m thinking about the correlation between the winter solstice and Christmas, there is a dichotomy glaring blatantly at us. It’s no wonder that when choosing the birthdate of Jesus, that December 25th was chosen. This date is just a few days past the darkest day of the year. The Christ Child, while human and Devine, is a symbol of light. Jesus brings light into a darkened world. He embraces us with his love and warms our hearts and saves us with his love and light. What better time for him to be born?
Some say that they believe Jesus to have been born in the spring. I don’t know how they would know, but it is appropriate, for me anyway, that his birth be celebrated now - during the darkest days of winter when we need His light the most. God is always with us, but I think especially in our darkest moments.
When you light a candle this season, think of the LIGHT that God sent into the world.
And remember, whether you are in an easy, light and warm season of life, or a difficult, cold and dark one, you are never alone because the LIGHT of the world is always with you.
Sending my best,
Connie
