Today, the second day of our journey, is the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year. The night will come earlier with sunset in New Jersey just after 4:30 PM. Going further north means even a shorter day as the earth tilts away from the sun. Darkness will cover us, as it does those who must travel by night, fearful of who might stop them.
In a journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem travelers in those days had to find some kind of shelter for the night, away from the feared Roman legions. But how to find shelter along an unknown road? Night can overshadow us, making us fearful of what might happen.
Travelers in those days only had the stars to guide them. We look to street lights and signs which can give outward light, but it is the inward light that we need. Finding that light is essential as we continue our journey.
Prayer for the Day
Fearing that the dark nights of our souls, O God,
We rise in the darkness knowing that daylight will come;
Knowing that your grace can comfort us on this day, O Lord,
We look to your promise of a future of light and peace.
Turn us from our fears of what might come in this uncertain world,
And grant that we may live boldly as your disciples.
In the name of him who lived boldly for justice and peace,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
At a certain point in the spiritual journey God will draw a person from the beginning stage to a more advanced stage [and we] will likely experience what is called "the dark night of the soul." …when those persons lose all the pleasure that they once experienced in their devotional life. This happens because God wants to purify them and move them on to greater heights.
John of the Cross, from The Dark Night of the Soul (1542-1591)
There is a really deep well inside me. And in it dwells God ... But more often stones and grit block the well, and God is buried beneath. Then God must be dug out again.
Etty Hillesum, from An Interrupted Life (1914-1943)
In you, O Lord, I shelter. Let me never be shamed, in your mercy, O free me.
Incline your ear to me. Quick, save me. Be my stronghold of rock,
A fort-house to rescue me
For you are my crag and my bastion, for your name’s sake, guide me and lead me.
Psalm 31: 1-4 (Tr. Robert Alter)