December 21
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Even on a sunshiny day, the days of winter are just not as bright as the days of summer. Good reason, of course: the earth is farther from the sun.
As you may know, part of the reason that the celebration of Christ’s birth falls in the winter season in the Northern Hemisphere, was to overlay the pagan traditions about the rebirth of the sun. It is human to seek the light.
While some suffer from SAD, Seasonal Affective Disorder, I think many more are also aware of feeling a little less energetic, a little less motivated during these dim days. Especially for those with SAD, this lack of energy can deteriorate into depression.
Add in all the rush to get “ready” for Christmas, all the effort to entertain and please family – or the pain of not having family nearby to gather with – and who could blame us for shutting the blinds and hiding?
But Christ comes into the bleak winter for us – not necessarily the meteorological season: Christ reaches out to us when we are lost and wandering in gathering darkness, feeling lost and over our heads, often unaware of lurking peril, stuck in our own personal winter.
The very first thing God did, in the beginning of God’s creating, was to speak Light, and Light was created.
Genesis 1: 1-4
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.
And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness.
The visual light around us is not enough, though. And God sent His Son, the true Light into our world, to walk with us and to dwell with us.
God watches over each of us, and if the darkness is growing around us, God reminds us to seek the Light. The Light is always there: God’s Holy Spirit, our Advocate, will guide us. Jesus Christ will embrace us.
We remember, too, what Jesus tells us, his disciples:
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matt 5:14-16)
Reach out to someone who might need a little light today. A phone call or a shared cup of coffee could make an important change to someone who feels gathering shadows in their life.
Today is the shortest day of daylight in our area: the December solstice. Bundle up, get in the car with the heater on, and take a drive to look at the Christmas lights. Let each one, in all those colors and arrangements, remind you of the diversity of gifts God gives and the abundance of God’s presence. Let each light be a blessing to you.
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