As the Christmas holidays approach, in the northern hemisphere our side of the earth grows colder and darker. The nights seem quieter, and the sun spends less time with us each day. Before our eyes, the year seems to drift into its own sleep as though making way for the New Year to be born.
As we move through this dark season, we are blessed with the gift of many meaningful Advent and Christmas rituals that help to tame the darkness and to keep warmth and light glowing in our souls.
We celebrate the outgoing year with family and friends. We share stories and food, trees and lights, gifts and church services. In the US, the season of sharing begins at Thanksgiving, when we gather together to renew our gratitude for each other. December is busy with many activities, and we send cards to tell family and friends our stories of the past year.
We bring an evergreen tree into our homes to remind us of life and growth when all else around us has gone dormant and is covered with snow. We decorate our trees with ornaments that carry memories of past Christmases. We string colorful lights around our homes and trees to illuminate the night and balance the darkness of our sleeping earth.
When days are at their coldest, we invite friends in and share our favorite foods. We turn to the warmth of companionship to ease the bitter cold. We give gifts to each other, images of something new to start the New Year. Our faith communities have created and nurtured many of these festivals and holidays. Celebrations such as Hanukah, Advent, Kwanzaa, and Winter Solstice bring comfort and hope to us all.
However, not all people share these joys during this time of year. Many within our communities, families, and circle of friends find this season difficult — perhaps because of the loss of a loved one, difficult family relationships, economic hardship, or illness.
Nevertheless, even to those facing dark times, these Advent and Christmas rituals may provide some solace. When I am going through a difficult time, carols comfort me most, bringing back memories of past Christmases and our continued desire for peace. Those sweet memories fill my eyes with tears
I remember sitting with my mother during her last Christmas Eve night, after the rest of the family had gone home. The room was dark except for the tree lights and the reflection of their light on the patio windows. Carols played softly in the background. No words were needed between us, only silence and the comfort of warm memories of past Christmas Eves spent happily with family members no longer with us.
I remember sitting with my mother during her last Christmas Eve night, after the rest of the family had gone home. The room was dark except for the tree lights and the reflection of their light on the patio windows. Carols played softly in the background. No words were needed between us, only silence and the comfort of warm memories of past Christmas Eves spent happily with family members no longer with us.
