We are experiencing the shorter days before the winter solstice will occur on December 21. It will be nine hours and nine minutes of light between sunrise and sunset. The end of the old year and the beginning of the new signals the lengthening of the days. Even in the coldest days, one can detect the smallest of buds forming on the ends of tree limbs and bushes as they prepare for the coming spring.
As a child, I remember this time as four weeks of Advent, a time to prepare for the celebration of Christmas. My Mother would wait as long as possible before turning on the heat for the winter. We would often have a fire in the fireplace. I would watch a branch or piece of wood to see when it would catch on fire. We chose a section of the fire and would see who’s section would catch fire first.
We would wait, observe and be alert to changes in the fire. The warmth and light was a welcome respite from the cold darkness. At this time we lit candles to mark the weeks before Christmas as a time of quiet anticipation of change. Even as a small child, I marveled that one lit candle could shine to dispel the darkness. The closer to Christmas, the more candles were lit, increasing the warmth of the flames glow.
On our table, we had a dish of cut evergreens in a water filled bowl. The greens were pressed into a florist foam. In the center a white statue of Mary was positioned. All around the bowl, there were small candle figures of angels, santa and snowmen. although they were candles, they were never lit. They circled the bowl, facing out as if they were guarding the centerpiece. Two long tapers were on either side of this display. The candles were red. The candle holders were squares of clear acrylic with a one red rose in the base of each candle holder. I wanted to break them open to retrieve that small rose.
The first Sunday of Advent starts the time of hope. In the turmoil of these time, we need to be reminded of the promise and hope that light will overcome the darkness. Warmth will scatter the chill of our lives.
Whether you are a believer or not, take time to contemplate nature at rest and anticipating the warmth, light and growth in the coming spring.
I use this time to put my physical and spiritual house in order. Cleaning out the old cobwebs and readying for the new year.
When I was partly sighted, I was reminded to not stare at the ground. The white cane will find obstacles. Look around at those around you. cultivate a half smile expression to greet the world. Look for people that may need a kind word or a smile. Take the spirit of hope and spread it to your community. This is your gift. It will return to you sixty fold.
It is better to light a single candle
than to curse the darkness.
Though I can not tell the difference.
I feel the warmth of another’s hello.
We can be wrapped in ourselves not to see
an angry mother,
the crying child
to hold the door for another older person.
I smile whenever I am out in public.
I never know who is around me.
It may be Christ in disguise.
carolaspot@aol.com
December 4th 2023
traveling up and down the blind highway 