"It is just before sunrise on a cold December day some three thousand years before the coming of Christ. For those crouched at the heart of the mound it must seem as though light has been banished forever. Then, suddenly, a tiny sliver of sunlight strikes the stone slab at the back of the chamber. Slowly it widens, climbs upward, illuminating a number of mysterious carvings-circles, spirals, zigzag patterns. For the people crouched in the center of the great mound of Brug na Boine(also known as New Grange) every symbol has meaning. But by far the greatest significance is the return of the sun itself. The light that enters the dark womb of the earth brings with it the promise of warmth and life to come." from The Winter Solstice:Sacred Traditions of Christmas by John Matthews

Welcome to the Winter Solstice…the longest night of the year. I love this image painted by the words of John Matthews. This picture helps me remember the very ancient story of which we are all a part. Our ancestors, not blessed with the scientific knowledge we now have, gathered with prayers and intention, with hope beyond hope, that the sun would once again return after their long days in darkness. It may seem simple to us now, or even something we give no thought to, but their story is our story with or without our recognition.

The setting of the date for the celebration of Christmas, the birth of the Christ Child, is complicated but the important thing to remember is that the date, December 25, was set because of many people ‘coming to the light’ including the Emperor Constantine who helped layer his new found Christian faith onto the already established celebration of the Winter Solstice, the return of the sun.The light of the sun, the light of God, the Light of the World…….all connected.

People of each faith tradition like to believe they have the fullness of the story of the Holy moving through time.  This has, of course, caused us much trouble and the loss of many lives. Celebration of Winter Solstice, which we will do this longest night, has the potential of connecting us in deep ways to the Light that always moves into the darkness bringing promise, hope and new life, holding out the chance to begin once again. I believe we call that grace.

So, on this longest night, I pray you can gather with friends or family or strangers who may become friends. Perhaps you can light a candle or build a fire. This is after all, "the night which God has made…let us rejoice and be glad"…for the light will return, grace will prevail. And in this celebration may we be reminded on the invisible lines of connection that unite us throughout time, across traditions, beyond beliefs,in the Spirit of the One who brings light to our lives.

"Brightener of Darkness, hail! Keeper of Clearness, Opener of Depths. Gifts of plenty are arising, Winter wonders, white snows’ fall. Joyful be the heart within us, Open wide the guesting door, Wisdom waken in abundance, Warm our beings to the core."  Caitlin Matthews

Have a joyous weekend……………..