Lonely Exile: A Daily Advent Devotional

Part Twenty One: Fanning the Flame

“The winter solstice is a celebration of the resilience of the human spirit, which can find joy and wonder even in the depths of winter.”
– Elizabeth Gilbert

The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darkness—
on them light has shined. Isaiah 9:2, NRSVue

Today is the Winter Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, the shortest day of the year. Since June 20th of this year each day has progressively gotten shorter. After today, that changes. The light begins to grow again. The days get longer. Even as winter seeks to tighten its grip on us, creation begins to fight back.

That is the very heartbeat and essence of Advent. In the midst of the darkness of despair, violence, fear, and oppression of this moment Advent insists that the light of hope, peace, joy, and love is still burning, even if it seems faint and flickering. Our work is to, together, fan that flame so that it grows and illuminates our way to a more just and generous world.

Question for Reflection:
Do you think much about the Winter Solstice?
How do you see the light of hope, peace, joy, and love flickering in this moment?
How can we help that light burn more brightly?