Four
months ago, Americans watched in wonder as a total solar eclipse traversed the
nation, and, as many described, “turned day into night.” To many who
experienced it, the eclipse was a sublime, even spiritual experience beyond anything
words can describe.
Every
year during the autumn, day, at least in some sense, turns to night, as the Sun
sets earlier and earlier, to the point where, as I often note in frustration, “It
gets dark in the middle of the day.” We know this is natural, that it is part
of an annual cycle, yet it inspires a range and depth of emotions, from sadness
to fear and for some, even fascination.
Those
who spend time outdoors during this period can sense the Earth going to sleep
and see what is left of life being pulled back into her.
The
Winter Solstice, at its core, is about hope. What looks like death is just a
period of dormancy. Nature needs the power to restart, and the great generator
we call the Sun begins recharging on this day, slowly growing in strength until
it opens the slumbering seeds underground and warms the Earth’s frozen surface,
drawing the baby plants out into the light.
In
an email message today, Sarah Rasmussen of Greenpeace wrote, “There is so much
darkness in our world right now, from environmental disasters to climate change…But
light is coming to push out the darkness, and we are fighting as hard as we can
to ensure that it shines where it will do the most good…The darkest hour is
just before the dawn.”
In
the natural world, all the major action at the Winter Solstice is beneath the
surface, unseen. It isn’t obvious. It can only be felt. Yet this invisible
miracle, which from our perspective happens solely because we live on a planet
with a 23.5 degree axial tilt, is as real, as profound, as intense as anything
can be.
These
words, put as a voiceover to a Gaelic version of “Silent Night” by Enya,
capture the awe and wonder of this day.
“Yule—the
Winter Solstice
Cold
and bleak—
The
longest night of the year
Though
we are in darkness,
We
know the Winter Solstice is near.
We
light up the long nights with candlelight and evergreens.
We
deck the halls with beautiful things.
The
Earth is in a deep slumber…
The
light is growing dimmer…
But,
almost unnoticed,
The
Solstice brings its miracle.
There
is stillness,
Beautiful
and serene…
Peacefully,
quietly, the Sun is reborn.
In
this small, still moment, the light returns again,
The promise
kept
That
death is not the end.
From
this day, forward, the light and the warmth grow stronger.
But
we remember this moment that brings the greatest gift of all.
The
light brings with it not only the promise of rebirth,
But (the
knowledge that) even in our darkest hour,
The light
will always return.
It
is the spirit of goodwill,
The warmth
of our hearts.
It
is peace and joy
That
bring us out of the dark.
Give
freely of yourself;
Help
someone in need;
Bring
light to the darkness.
Give
hope, and offer peace.
Sending
you warm tidings this Yule season.
May
your biggest wishes come true!
Eat,
drink, and be merry!
A
blessed and happy Solstice to you!”
Enya,
“Yule, The Winter Solstice,” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDQXSLRRAEs
It
isn’t over. Darkness hasn’t won.
Keep
hope alive!
