The Winter Solstice

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!