As many times as I have been through the change of seasons, the whole process still fascinates me. The shifting hours of darkness and light. The change in the weather. The mystery of the journey of our one small planet in all the universe around the sun.
December, in my imagination, seems like a “dark” month. Of course, there are bright days, especially when there is a fresh layer of snow. But we are more conscious of the dark as sunset comes on earlier in the evening. We have again been through the bright days of summer and early autumn, and now move into a more balanced time of light and dark.
In places of abundant electric power, the darkness does not affect us as much as it did people in ancient times or nowadays in areas without power. But you still hear people say “The days are getting shorter.”
And it is during this time of Advent and Christmas when we light up our darkness with lighted decorations, reminding us of the coming of Christ, the Light of our world. And this helps us reflect beyond our physical surroundings into the realms of inner life, spirit, soul.
I am reminded that we can see because of the combination of light and shadow. If all were light, it would blind us. If all were dark, of course we could not see. And so, as reflected in the physical world, we journey through our personal combination of light and darkness, invited to see and accept all that is in us.
The light of Christ, which shines through the Scriptures, through the traditions of the Church, through all that we have been taught by our teachers and guides, illuminates our whole life experience. In Advent, we pray again, “Come, Lord Jesus,” come and shine in our hearts and souls. He is always there, of course, in any season, but our autumn and winter darkness reminds us of our continuing inner need for his light and truth.
At this time of year, we especially pray and sing with the hymn: “Christ, be our light! Shine in our hearts. Shine through the darkness.”
-Fr. Tom Zelinski
Advent peace to you Fr Tom! Thanks for the reminder about these darker months providing balance and time for replenishment and reflection- a good and needed time.Another beautiful song that began to change my negative outlook on on darkness is by Sara Tomsen. She sings “Darkness, cover me softly like a blanket…” Her voice is beautiful. I believe it’s recorded on Youtube.
Father Tom Zelinski, your refection on darkness and light is so timely and appropriate. I can relate so well to what you wrote, Also with our present weather pattern that is slowly moving through many parts of Mother Earth in USA with cloudy days and no sunshine makes your reflection ring all the more timely. Two nights ago here in LaCrosse, those on Excel Electric Power were in the dark for over two hours due to malfunctioning sub station. Thankfully, St. Rose Convent has emergency generators so that there was minimal light in the corridors and on 701 Franciscan Way, recently renovated, had in each bedroom an emergency two plug in outlet that one could use for having a lamp on to provide light. And again, in the early morning, lost power again for ten minutes for the same reason. Yes, at such times one becomes more aware to be grateful for the gift of electric power and puts one in touch with the people in ancient times who did not have the convenience of electric power as we have today. Today, I received the annual Christmas card/letter from a former 6th grade student that I had in Wisconsin Rapids, St, Vincent Grade School and she writes about the darkness and I quote: “I am also not a fan of Daylight Savings. Right now it gets dark just after 5pm. I rather enjoy the summertime sun until after 9pm.” I copied your reflection and am sending it to her in with my Christmas card/letter. So thank you for your timely reflection. Advent blessings as we journey to Christmas. I’ll close with this quote: ENJOY CHRISTMAS! IT IS HIS BIRTHDAY! ENJOY LIFE! IT IS HIS WAY!
Thank you Father Tom! What a beautiful reflection to pray with today.
May you and your Community have a blessed Christmas Season!