Today, December 21, is the winter solstice. It happens every year. The longest amount of darkness with the shortest number of daylight minutes. In Ohio, the sun came up this morning at 7:51 am and will set at 5:01 pm, only 10 hours and 10 minutes of daylight. It is the day we turn the corner and know that there will be more light tomorrow. It also marks the point in time where “the generative and creative powers of our universe start to return and grow again.”
This month, many of us celebrate religious holidays including Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa. These holidays recognize new birth, light in a dark world, unity, purpose, hope, and rededication. Spiritually, this time of year symbolizes the chance for renewal, a time to shed bad habits, negative thoughts and feelings. A time to embrace hope as things get brighter. The light that comes from these holidays in the midst of the darkness brings optimism for the days ahead. We come to the end of this year with new vaccines for Covid-19 and plans to be together soon with those we have missed. We must stay patient.
Each year the winter solstice comes with a promise that the next day will be brighter. Take time to light a candle in the dark tonight to represent the return of light to our world. Consider clearing out what is no longer needed and make space for what is to come. If we embrace a spirit of unity, compassion, and optimism, we can begin to forgive and collaborate. We can reconcile our political differences and once again find compromise. The winter solstice reminds us that our universe is constantly changing, and, just like us, stretching forward every day.
