The Hopes and Fears of All the Years: Day 22
The Flickering Light
“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
Text: Isaiah 9:2
Today is the Winter Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, the shortest day of the year. Since June 20th this year each passing day has progressively gotten shorter. After today, all that changes. Tomorrow the light begins to grow again. The days lengthen. Even as winter seeks to tighten its icy grip on us, creation begins to fight back.
That is the very heartbeat of Advent and Christmas. 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, together, is to fan that flame so that it grows and illuminates our way to a more just and generous world.
Reflection:
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?