Yesterday was the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of light in the year which means that the sun is at its southern most point. In the farthest northern point the sun will not show itself on this day, while the South Pole receives 24 hours of light. Solstice means to stand still and according to various texts the sun in astronomical vocabulary seems to stand still from December 22-24.

For Christians this leads us on the 25th to the coming of the light of the world the Christ Child. After the solstice there is one second of light added to each day. We move into more light as the weeks pass. It is fitting that for most of us we are in our longer periods of darkness this time of year before Christmas.

I relish Winter Solstice. With the coldness of winter and the longest night, it is comforting to get comfy in favored jammies and look forward to the light.

“At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.” ~ Albert Schweitzer

Peace.