 January: After the Christmas Holiday, After the Solstice
I woke early on Tuesday, December 22, the morning after the solstice, and looking out into the deep black sky wrested gratitude for the morning – the first day of winter – the first day, after so many, that would bring more light than the last. The solstice has now come and gone. The Christmas holiday, the Kwanza holiday, Hanukah, and New Years Eve have all come and gone. January is a month marked by the absence of intrigue, by our slowing pace, by the stillness of deep winter. May we remember, as this month stretches out, to count the daily blessing of increased light. The winter is long and dark but it is not without promise.
I wish you all peace in this season as in all. And I would like to share
a riddle that is particularly apt for this time of year. If you feel
you know for whom or what this riddle speaks, I would be intrigued to
hear … please send me an email (minister at uusterling.org) or let me
know when we speak after a meeting or service.
"From Heaven I fall, though from earth I begin.
No lady alive can show such a skin.
I'm bright as an angel, and light as a feather,
But heavy and dark, when you squeeze me together.
Though candor and truth in my aspect I bear,
Yet many poor creatures I help to ensnare.
Though so much of Heaven appears in my make,
The foulest impressions I easily take.
My parent and I produce one another,
The mother the daughter, the daughter the mother."
Yours in Faith,
Rev. Anya Sammler-Michael
|
