Today — December 21st — marks the Winter Solstice, and we celebrate the return of the light. From now till June our days will gradually become a little bit longer, every day.
Indulging in a few moments of reflection:
I remember the moment I discovered that Christmas didn't have anything to do with the Christian Church as I knew it. I was 18 and finally freed from the confinement of religion. I had an "Aha" moment and I haven't turned back ... however, it hasn't stopped me from enjoying Solstice Celebrations once I got over myself.
And the lies of organized religion.
“It was a custom of the pagans to celebrate on the same 25. December the birthday of the Sun, at which they kindled lights in token of festivity. In these solemnities and revelries the Christians also took part. Accordingly, when the doctors of the Church perceived that the Christians had a leaning to this festival, they took counsel and resolved that the true Nativity should be solemnized on that day.”
In other words, there was already a pagan fire festival taking place on the 25th of December that many Christians also enjoyed, so rather than try to establish a rival event at a separate time, they just commandeered the date and made it their own event.
The Christians therefore followed the same strategy of syncretism that Imperial Rome had followed for centuries with other people’s religions... namely merging one religious tradition with another.
So, whatever you celebrate, may you enjoy the company of friends and/or family while we wait for the return of the sun!
And so, I invite you to allow yourself a few moments to reflect on the fact that it is the light we celebrate, regardless of whether you are observing Pagan Solstice or Christian Christmas. Way may think there is much darkness in the world — because that is what the media would have us believe — but there is also much light!
As we head forth into a new year, make it an experiment to focus your attention on that light, rather than on the darkness.
Thanks for coming to visit, and Bright Blessings to all!
(An abbreviated version of this post also appeared on our Facebook page)
You are not alone!
(Graphic is our own)
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