It’s that time of year again – writing
about December and the holidays while it’s 80 degrees outside. I’ll come back
later…..
“The night belongs to those who aren’t afraid……..”
It’s 1:30am now, and I’m out walking my dog Tara amidst a cool, quiet night filled with
stars and mystery.
As
I walk around the neighborhood, I like to check-in on my sister’s and
neighbor’s houses, like an inspector on the night shift.My mind begins to drift, like the stars and
soft night clouds to thoughts of the season, and I am reminded of how much of
this season, how many of the celebrations, occur in the dark hours.
I
think to myself: without the dark nights, how could we enjoy the Yule log of
solstice?What would be the point of
marking the longest night of the year with such ancient rituals of light?How could the eight candles of Hanukkah mean
anything if lit in sunlight?There would
be no meaning nor purpose to the menorah, the songs, the prayers of this sacred
rite.
And
what of that little baby who was born in a manger, in the darkness?We don’t need history to prove that Jesus was
born poor and in darkness.Millions of
babies are born poor and in darkness, each of them holding some promise of
bringing light into their world and to those whom they love.We don’t need history or proof – life
confirms this truth every day, every night.
How
could we even conceive of holiday celebrations without the darkness?What point is it to string lights on our
homes and Christmas tree, to toil with bags and candles for Luminaries? To
enjoy the glow of a burning hearth?To
attend boat parades in our harbors; or Christmas Eve services?New Year’s Eve celebrations?
This
is the only season of the year which
celebrates the darkness despite the
darkness.A season which calls us out
from our homes into the dark streets to enjoy sparkling reindeer and
brightly-lit homes, glowing Santas, menorahs, and lights in the windows--and a
sky filled with stars that really do
twinkle.
Let
us embrace the darkness:The night
belongs to those who are not afraid.For
the darkness is the rich, velvet veil which drapes the night, the backdrop
needed for the lights to appear.‘Silent
night, holy night, all is calm, all is bright.’--Simple, yet such profound
words. So Let us embrace this Season of darkness and light, and may we find
cause for endless celebration.
