From civilization’s very beginnings, tribes in the north came together on the shortest day of the year, to gather evergreens and build fires and chant petitions to their deities for the return of the sun and warmth on which their survival depended.
Their empirical observation -- that the light did return -- induced them into the spiritually understandable if logically flawed conclusion that there was a causal connection with their rituals.
Which we continue in today's no less challenged time -- this year with the extra benefit of a full lunar eclipse – although now the lights are low-energy LED, the greenery is recyclable and correctly fire-retardant, and the celebrations are as diverse as our widely scattered traditions. And, to confess, we are occasionally diverted from paths of consciousness by the relentless merchandising of redundant consumer expenditure.
This winter solstice, our own family will join at our church in the dark evening’s memorial for the homeless. We will then be at Mass on Christmas Eve, exercising in faith and joy our nation’s freedom of religious practice, and will be with relatives the next day for gifts and feasting.
However you may choose to observe the compelling promise of annual renewal, it is a time to express gratitude for good fortune, to contemplate in our abundance the condition of those whose sufferings we can do something to relieve, and to dwell in brief quiet on the potential to realize peace on earth.
With thanks for your interest and engagement through a difficult 2010, and best wishes to all for a healthy and rewarding new year.
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