This coming Saturday, December 21 marks the winter solstice when the northern hemisphere has tipped the farthest away from the sun. Because of that, we experience the longest night of the year. And then, four days later, it’s Christmas! It is no mistake that the birth of Christ is celebrated shortly after the longest night in the northern hemisphere.
We don’t actually know the exact date of Jesus’ birth. It wasn’t until the early 300’s CE that the church designated December 25 as the day to celebrate. There are a number of theories behind why December 25. Some claim that December 25 was chosen so that the observance of the birth of Christ would compete with and weaken pagan celebrations. I wonder if it was a “if you can’t beat them, join them” sort of thing? Other theories have to do with December 25 being chosen so that it would coincide with the Roman winter solstice festival. And others suggest that it was chosen because it comes 9 months after the Roman spring equinox. The observance didn’t really take hold as a major Christian holiday until the 9th century.
I’ve always liked that Christ’s birth is celebrated four days after the shortest day/longest night. It’s the time when, before we can even detect it, the days start to get a little longer. It fits in with the tradition that Christ lights the world with God’s love. It’s also a reminder that, no matter how dark things may seem to become, there will always be more light to come.
I especially like that reminder during those days (and we all have them) when sadness or loneliness or anxiety invade the season. We see all the joy around us and it’s hard to join in. We carry HUGE expectations to be jolly and grateful and filled with the spirit of Christmas yet we realize just how hard that is sometimes. Some of us may be experiencing our first Christmas without…. Loved ones, a job, a beloved pet, our family and more. Sometimes we just like to sit in the darkness because, well, just because.
With Christmas being four days after the longest night, even though we may not be able to perceive the increasing light, we can be reminded that the light of God’s love is still upon us.
To all who find the holidays challenging, remember that the promise of Christmas is that God comes into the hardest places with love and grace. May you know that gift this year.
Rev. Lynne
