Light of the world shines

How have you prepared to welcome December and all of the holy days that fill our calendars and our hearts?

Perhaps you will light candles at dusk and pray in ancient Hebrew tones. Maybe you will bring the beauty of nature inside and light your hearth with a fresh yule log teeming with berries and branches. Or, perhaps like countless others, you will pick out the perfect tree and string it with colored lights, providing a loving shelter for the family crèche.

However you choose to celebrate the holidays, it seems as if we are all reaching out to the light and balancing it with the shadows in the darkness. December can be both a month of joy and a time of struggles; holding the two in a healthy tension is an act of love. And love is the center of all faith traditions. We share this shadow time with the world at large.

I freely admit that this is one of those Christmases in our house this year. It is not the first, nor might it be the last, and there will be many lessons within the lights that flicker in communities across the globe.

Some will wrestle with the confusion and concern of unexpected changes in careers or in the health of loved ones. Others will attempt to sort out the complications that arise from fear of impending loss and some — far too many — will find themselves wrapped in grief instead of warm blankets.

In spite of all these unwelcome and unexpected visitors, we still pause to remember the oil that lasted for eight days, the turning of the solstice wheel and the arrival of that Baby in the manger that would change so much of the world as it was known.

One of the many lessons of struggle is that it does not last forever, it teaches much and is a part of our human experience that stretches and strengthens us. Yes, these holy days are here, whether we feel ready to greet them or not. Our challenge is to be present for them, and recognize that they just might be that light shining in the darkness that we feel surrounds us. But Light it is! And it is here for us — all of us!

And so, dear readers, may you find comfort, solace and hope in the midst of any struggles you may be facing. May the darkness be broken by the brightness of love and light and may you fully enter into those moments of peaceful preparation for these holy days. They are here. So are we. And there is much to rejoice in knowing that grace sits with us wherever we are.

Blessings of the season to all of you and those you love!

The Reverend Dr. Deborah Darlington celebrates with people of all traditions in times of joy and in times of sorrow. She can be reached at GraceMatters@ TheSpaceForGrace.com and, in the meantime, wishes all of you the happiest and most lightfilled of holidays!