I was reluctantly obliged to shop today and saw black tinsel on sale. It seems somehow a rather odd departure from the usual cheery red, green and gold. But then, there is a lot of that about. The Christmas countdown has taken hold, shops are heaving, houses show pretty lights peeking through the curtains and Jingle Bells seems to be playing in every store. I wonder how long ago it was that political correctness deemed it inappropriate to play carols in public places? That seems to have sneaked in. Yet isn’t it rather hypocritical to be afraid to acknowledge the religious element of a religious festival, whilst encouraging people to spend every penny they have, and then some, on the festivities.
I wonder too how many still feel a sense of reverence as they place the carved symbol of the Babe in the crib? I may hurriedly stuff the decorations in boxes come Twelfth Night, but the little wooden nativity is always carefully laid away. The doubt of evidence and political correctness have clouded the faith of many with a vague, uneasy sense of guilt. And that, to me, is criminal. Faith and its expression are and should be a deeply personal thing between the heart and the Awe that touches it, regardless of the Name or story we believe in. Does it matter whether the date of a birth is accurate? Faith doesn’t need hard evidence… it knows an intimate and personal truth beyond facts, one that lights the heart and guides the hand.
Of course, it hasn’t always been ‘Christmas’. The turning of the year through its darkest point towards the light has been marked for longer than the two thousand years of the Christian era. Midwinter rites, fire festivals, times of turning and looking forward have marked the dark of the year and may be amongst the oldest communal celebrations and rites. On all continents and in probably every culture through known history and beyond, this moment in the solar year has spoken to us in symbolic terms and given rise to expressions of faith and hope of brightness to come. Mōdraniht, Yule, Saturnalia, Hannuka… festivals of motherhood and light, celebrations of birth and the unconquered Sun… many now forgotten or labelled simply ‘pagan’, many unrecognised by the wider world, discarded and discounted by those who choose to wear other labels.
It really doesn’t matter what the name… or even the date, the recognition of the turning from dark to light has always been marked around the winter solstice. It is the spirit of the moment that matters.
Within our own lives too we find that turning point, when our worlds seem dark and we look towards a brighter day. There are many who will go through the motions of Christmas with panic as they try to conform to societal expectations beyond their means, financially or emotionally, clinging to the forms and losing sight of the inner heart of the moment. There are many for whom Christmas cheer will not be possible, shadowed by the acuteness of grief and loss. Many more who are gathering strength to face a changed world. I recall one Christmas morning, fourteen years ago now, digging the frozen earth, planting coffee creams and a sapling tree with my sons, three pairs of eyes, brown and blue, raining on the earth. It was a time when it seemed that the sun could not light our lives again.
But, of course, it does, with that healing inevitability of the turning wheel. The dark of the year is the nadir, that pivotal moment when we reach the longest night and know that the days lead inexorably towards the first snowdrop, the first sunlit morning of spring.
Lovely post. <3
Thanks, Alethea.
“It is the spirit of the moment that matters”- your words are true. The traditions and celebrations around the Winter Solstice really have to do with finding light in the darkest of days. In December at school we learn about the celebrations of light around the world. This is important for children.
I agree, Jennie. Teaching children about the symbolic celebration of Light through many cultures helps remove the barriers.
Well said, Sue.
Great post-doesn’t matter what you call it as ling as you are AWARE..
I saw tinsel with Chewbacca and storm trooper heads on it…???
That sounds horrendous!
It was unusual to say the very least!
Lovely post – I love Christmas and most things that go with it including the Christmas carols at our Church the night before and the beautiful service on the day.
I miss the old carols…
I really like this post. From darkness to light. Even if it is a part of many religious teachings, there is the sense in a secular sense too.
The journey between light and darkness is one we all take, so many times in our lives.
Lovely reflection, as always, Sue. I’m often overwhelmed by the busy-ness and expectations of the season. Keeping some sense of reverence, something sacred (regardless of religious beliefs) is what pulls me through. 🙂
That sense of sacredness is never absent… and has nothing to do with labelled religion. It is what lights my days.
Very true post,Sue. I used to say “Happy Birthday Jesus” on Christmass morning, I still do. Also too for me Christmass now brings memories of happiness with people who are no longer here. But I’ve had my days of darkness, I hope they’re all gone, and now turn with a smile to the coming of Spring.
Memories of Christmasses past can be beautiful to cherish… and the knowledge of the new light at the turning of the year is always a comfort.
Lovely. Counting the days to the solstice myself!
So am I, paul…and panicking slightly at how few remain 🙂