But in this Darkness . . .
The solstice of winter lingers in diminished light longer than any day of the year. And then the light increases daily in the rhythm of nature, the progression towards the spring equinox and summer solstice, until the daylight slowly lessens again towards the fall equinox and back to the winter solstice. Creation bestows a marvelous order that astounds and mystifies.
A few days ago, I flew back to Colorado after spending time with my extended family who are in the throes of deep tragedy and loss. I looked out the airplane window from a cruising altitude high above the miniscule cars and buildings, and eventually my eyes rested on open wilderness. I was struck by the folds of the hills and mountains below which seemed to swaddle the frenetic pace of the city into a quiet soothing embrace.
Looking earthbound from that great height in the clouds, I became aware of a perspective that provided distance from life as I knew it on the ground, a perspective of a higher loving intimacy and eternity far exceeding the temporary constraints of daily life as I knew it.
Suddenly, there was this remarkable assurance of order and beauty and purpose. It was an assurance void of chaos, void of devastation. It was a powerful assurance of profound love and understanding and higher good.
And isn’t that what Christmas means in the coming of the One who shows us the way to infinite love and purpose beyond our deepest pain?
Believing all healing and hope, all wonder and promise in the coming of Christ.
The LORD, your God, is in your midst, a mighty savior; He will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in his love, He will sing joyfully because of you,
—Zephaniah 3:17
Merry Christmas and Peace to all. ♥