We are approaching the Winter Solstice, the day of least
light in the northern hemisphere, and the end of our Advent journey.
The
dark womb of winter envelopes us, perhaps with rain, fog or snow, or, if you’re
in Georgia like me, just a balmy cover of darkness (at least this year!).
Aside from holiday activities, the short dark days seem
tailor made to withdraw and reflect, to rest and recover from the active
spring, summer and fall.
Maybe this
happens after the holidays, but don’t you love those days of snuggling down on
couch, bed or favorite chair, with a blanket and hot drink, and savoring a good
book? Maybe there is a crackling fire or
a spiced candle. Maybe loved
ones are around, or you are alone, reminiscing with new Christmas memories.
And in this “womb of darkness”—as one writer described it—as
we quiet our souls, God comes to plant His seeds of holiness and new life in us. He gives birth to the holy.
How has the Holy been birthed in you this season? How have you birthed the holy?
What has God been saying to you in these last few weeks before
Christmas? Through this project?
How is He giving you light?
The womb of darkness expands “as large as possible, and
seems to invite us inward.” (www.abbeyofthearts.com)
How do you respond to this invitation?
I'll
be back with one more post as we close out, probably after the New
Year. Our little group has decided to meet one more time in January, to
share our completed books. After that, who knows?!
In the meantime, may God truly give birth to the holy in you, and may you have a very merry Christmas.
Arise, shine, for your light has come,
and the glory of the Lord has dawned upon you.
For behold, darkness covers the land;
deep gloom enshrouds the peoples.
But over you the Lord will rise,
and his glory will appear upon you.
and the glory of the Lord has dawned upon you.
For behold, darkness covers the land;
deep gloom enshrouds the peoples.
But over you the Lord will rise,
and his glory will appear upon you.
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