Winter Solstice Celebrations

Winter solstice is an interesting time for celebration. Christmas was first instituted to replace pagan holidays held at the time of winter solstice. It is literally the day of the longest and darkest night. How fitting though that throughout the ages, whether in times of Christian dominated Europe or in the time or polytheism that people gathered to celebrate. It seems a fitting symbol of how in the times of the greatest darkness surrounding us we always can turn to the light found in friends, neighbors and family. Interestingly we interpret this scripture from Isaiah to apply to Jesus whom we celebrate in this time of darkness:

"The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined." Isaiah 9:2

In the life of Jesus we have found the symbol of all those virtues which we espouse that bring us together as human beings: compassion, kindness, love, and forgiveness. We emphasize his life as a motivating force to demonstrate greater charity and to bridge the social gaps between neighbors and friends. To create the light in the darkness.

Yesterday on the day of winter solstice we invited neighbors over for a small party. We told our immediate neighbors we would be doing this instead of distributing treats to neighbors as we usually do. It was a great time to talk to neighbors who, in the time of winter, we communicate less with as we hurry from our cars into the warmth of our homes. As we talked with our next-door neighbor after the others had left Christmas carolers from our LDS ward came and sang to us. We distributed our cookies to them as we joked and laughed. After it was all over I was so grateful for that evening-the enjoyment of good company is far better than any present dropped off at the door.

I am grateful for the light of so many in my life who shine in times of darkness-whether literal physical darkness at winter solstice or the darkness of emotional pain and loneliness. I am also grateful for people and symbols that inspire us to share a little more of that light-whether religious or secular, real or fanciful, as long as they motivate us to love, charity and goodness.