Winter Solstice

The winter solstice is upon us.  It is the shortest day and the longest night.  The days light has become shorter and shorter since Midsummer and now seems to rise and set in the same place for several days.  For more than seven thousand years human beings have been marking this occasion as the birth of the sun and light.  Life begins anew at Christmas and Hanukkah.  The sun begins it's journey South and creation celebrates.

This is a time to remember the ever turning wheel of life.  Our journey is mixed with darkness and light, struggle and triumph, sadness and joy.  It will never be overcome with the dark but could not be appreciated without it.  We need to honor the presence of grace during both.  One of the ways to acknowledge this truth is to light a candle at the winter solstice.  Take a few minutes to reflect upon your life and its rich flavor of sweet and bitter spice.  Nothing stays forever.  We can be sure that the sun will make its journey back.  The daylight will lengthen.  Spring and Summer will return. 

"May peace and plenty be the first to lift the latch on your door and happiness be guided to your home by the candle of Christmas!" ~ An Irish Blessing