Winter Solstice and Light

Today is the winter solstice.  The shortest day of light in the year.  Beginning tomorrow we journey back toward days of more sunlight.  It really is a 'turning of the corner' and heading toward days of longer sunlight.  That pleases me because I do better with lots of sunlight.  Tonight our Church will host a Service of Remembrance for those families who have lost a loved one this past year.  There will be families who have experienced death along with those who have gone through divorce.  We will read scripture, pray and light candles.  There it is again--'light as a sign of hope.'  Our neighbor has sold her house and moved.  She lived across the street for about 30 years.  She had some unusual patterns of behavior; for example, she would never let anyone inside her house.  Another neighbor purchased her house and has begun to remodel.  His first task was to bring several large dumpsters into which were shoveled old papers and magazines.  Our long time neighbor was a hoarder.  When I asked the purchasing neighbor how things were going, his response was "We're cleaning out everything so we can get some light into the house see what we've got to do."  There is  "light" again.  Light is crucial for our lives.  Light helps many out off winter's 'depression'.  Light can gives us hope in times of darkness.  Light can help us see our mess and what needs to be done.  Jesus said that he was the light of the world.  We celebrate Christmas because the light is coming into the world.  That's really good news!