The Solstice is Coming

I can almost remember when I first learned that early, early Christians, moving into northern Europe, incorporated the birth of Jesus into the time of the solstice celebration when the people celebrated Light coming back to a darkening earth. So perfect. As a Christian I was delighted to feel this centuries long connection with my ancestors of the earth and sky.

This year I am particularly aware that we are within 48 hours of the solstice. The mornings have stayed dark longer. The evenings have turned dark sooner. The lights that sparkle on our tree and the candles around the nativity have made an effort to dispel the gathering gloom. Now it is time for the cosmos to change, for there to be just a little more light. Maybe just as much as an extra large star - or the bubbly smile on a baby's face. Just a little more.

No wonder the birth of the Christ slipped so nicely into what people already believed and hoped. Light ~ literal, metaphorical and existential ~ is coming soon. The Solstice and right behind it, Jesus. Amazing! Peace and blessed be ~ and a very Merry Christmas!