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A Light in the Darkness
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.
– Isaiah 9:2
The Winter Solstice is my favorite day of the year. It is hard to put into words the awesome wonder I feel when the night has been lit up with tiny pricks of candle light. All over the United States, homes and city squares are lit up to decorate the night. How inviting even a simple street light is in the dark.
Light has been used to welcome the stranger for eons. A candle in the window was a beacon for the traveler that this was a safe haven to find rest, warmth, and sustenance. Today, we have forgotten such traditions, but still the light evokes the same sense of warmth, beauty, and safety.
So much talk of light when we are talking about the longest night! But what is the longest night without the light we use to keep the darkness away?
Ultimately, my love for the solstice is intertwined with the birth of Christ as light coming to a world in utter darkness. This is what makes the holiday season so beauteous to me – that the light of the world has shown the way to life when we have been living in the darkness of sin and death. The contrast of the Winter Solstice – the longest night – paired with John’s opening words, “In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.”
Published in Group Writing
This reflection on light in the longest night is part of our December theme: “Winter Lights and Dark Winter Nights.” We have several open days left. Stop by today to reserve a day.
A beautiful post, thanks.
Lovely work. The longest night never bothered me, because it meant two things: A) I can use a tool to banish it, and B) it only grows lighter from here on. That’s it? That’s all you got? Begone. Slink away. The darkest and coldest day is the one on which Spring first stirs.
My favorite passage from the entire Bible:
The light that shines in the darkness, the true light which enlightens everyone.
How true and a splendid observation. Lovely post Stina.
It’s one of my favorites, as well.