The winter solstice enters our lives today at 4:48 PM, meaning that December 22 will be the shortest day of the year, which means, of course, this will be the longest night of the year. Tomorrow the increasing light will be almost imperceptible, but the days will start to grow longer, although colder as well.
Our mailboxes and computer inboxes are now flooded with cards and messages wishing health and happiness or pitching for funds for this, that, or the other cause or charity. And, if we are able, we are making plans for sharing this holiday season with people we love.
It is also a time to take stock of the past year in our lives and to consider what the New Year will bring. Sometimes we are so overwhelmed by the sad news of the day that we wonder how to have joy in this season Moving beyond the despair that can seize us is central to our faith as Christians, for we are a people who should live in hope that with our faith we can build a world of love and justice.
Prayer for the Day
As we enter the season of winter, may we not have winter in our hearts,
For the promise of Christmas is a new world for us all;
Although the tree branches are now bare, we know, O God,
That deep within them also is the promise of new life.
May we strive to live the promises we make to ourselves,
So that we reflect your promise to the world around us.
In the name of the One who is your promise,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind?
- Percy Bysshe Shelly, from Ode to the West Wind (1792-1822)
That’s what winter is: an exercise in remembering how to still yourself then how to come pliantly back to life again.
- Ali Smith, Scottish author, playwright, poet
God thunders wondrously with a voice; God does great things we cannot comprehend.
For to the snow, God says, “Fall on the earth; and the shower of rain, heavy rain,
Serves as a sign on everyone’s hand, so all whom God made may know it.
Then the animals go into their lairs and remain in their dens.
From its chamber comes the whirlwind, and cold from the scattering winds.
By the breath of God ice is given, and the broad waters are frozen fast.
Job 37: 6-10