The Winter solstice occurred yesterday at 9:27 pm and once again, we made through the longest night of the year.
For thousands of years, human beings have been fascinated by this astronomical phenomenon. Ancient Mayans tracked the sun’s movement and created complex calendars, and many believe that the massive monument, Stonehenge, was built to align with the sun on the solstices.
I think what this speaks to is our fundamental desire to understand the inner workings of our world and make sense of our place in it. With all of our scientific discovery, we have a clear understanding of how the Earth moves within the solar system. But to make sense of my life with all of its ups and downs, I turn to the Creator, the source of the light and life itself.
As we approach Christmas, my prayer is these words bring you hope and peace in whatever season of life you might be in.
We made it.
For those of us in the northern hemisphere, today marks the winter solstice…the beginning of winter. And last night was the longest night of the year – 14 hours and 28 minutes to be precise.
During the winter solstice, the earth reaches its maximum tilt away from the sun. The light that does reach us, does so at the most extreme angle of the year and creates the longest noon-day shadows. National Geographic calls reaching this point, the nadir.
In its simplest terms, nadir means the worst or lowest point of something: bedrock, bottom, depth, rock bottom, zero. I know a thing or two about being at rock bottom. I know a thing or two about long, dark nights of the soul. My guess is that you probably do too. But just like we can trust in our Creator for the sun to rise, we can also trust Him to bring Light into our darkest days.
I am the Light of the World. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but have the light of life.
John 8:12
As much as I love bright, sunny days, the is the Light that I seek these days – the light of truth. Because the Truth is that we are wildly loved by God. We are His beloved.
The LORD will be your everlasting light, and your days of sorrow will end.
Isaiah 60:20
Jesus came to be the Light in dark world, so even when the sun doesn’t shine, I have hope. And this Hope is what we celebrate at Christmas.
Morning has broken. The Light has come. It is a new day with new hope.
Love, kelly
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