It’s one of the great mysteries of life. How does Santa manage to get all the way around the world in one night? How does he get inside all those houses, even the ones that don’t have chimneys? But then, how does joy manage to creep into the hearts of people all over the world, even those whose lives are filled with hardship?
How will joy find its way into your home today?
Fans of the TV show Seinfeld may remember the Costanza holiday of Festivus, which features a plain aluminum pole instead of a tree, and includes the “Airing of Grievances” and “Feats of Strength.” For some of us the relentless cheerfulness of holiday season can feel like a burden, and getting through all that is expected of us can feel like it requires superhuman Feats of Strength.
Go ahead. Just right here, right now, feel free to air your grievances with us.
The angels in the Nativity story who call out to the shepherds are beings of glory from on high who must tell the shepherds to “Be not afraid.” But our day to day world is full of much less impressive angels, ordinary people or animals or places who somehow manage to be messengers of the divine, who through their words or actions or simply by their presence bring us “tidings of great joy,” even if the message is as simple as the fact that our coffee is ready.
Who appears as an angel to you, bringing a message of joy?
The winter solstice marks the longest night of the year, the moment in time when the light is at its lowest ebb. Which means that it also marks the moment when, imperceptibly, the earth tilts toward spring, and the light begins to grow.
Where do you find signs of growing light in your life?
“The Holly and the Ivy” is a traditional English Christmas carol, but the symbolism of those two plants goes back even further, as they are Pagan fertility symbols. In the midst of the winter we celebrate with evergreens, finding promise of continuing life in those plants that remain green when so many others are dormant.
What in your life feels dormant, gone into hiding? What feels like it will always be green?
