Week 3: Joy - Saturday, The Winter Solstice

 

Our distant ancestors were terrified by this time of year when it seemed the sun was bent on plunging the world they knew forever into darkness. Out of this communal fear, a primal holy night was born. Great fires were built on hilltops and in sacred places. The people danced around the flames and chanted prayers to the gods to bring back the sun.

As it was and ever shall be, all is not merry and bright in this season of the heart, yet the circle of life assures us there will yet be a brighter day.

May all the Yule fires,

all the candles,

all the Christmas lights

work together to light up the darkness.

©2024 April Hoeller

Week 3: Joy - Friday

 

©2024 April Hoeller

Week 3: Joy - Thursday

 

©2024 April Hoeller

Week 3: Joy - Wednesday

 

©2024 April Hoeller

Week 3: Joy - Tuesday

 

 ©2024 April Hoeller

Week 3: Joy - Monday

©2024 April Hoeller
 

The Third Sunday of Advent

Morning on this third Sunday of Advent has dawned with a tease of muted sunshine amidst weather advisories of freezing rain and ice accretion. The hint of a traditional Christmas landscape outside my door today will likely suffer a serious setback and my dream of white Christmas is fading fast. 

But here in my space, three candles - hope, peace, and today, Joy - bring welcome light into my day. As is my custom, I linger over the flames, warming my hands and bathing my face in the glow, resting in the moment.

In medieval times, this day was called Gaudete Sunday, meaning Rejoice. It was a day to lighten up a little on all the penitential practices that had been demanded in preparation for Christmas. I don't qualify for such special dispensation - ever. Fasting and intentional prayer time are nowhere to be found on my Christmas ToDo list. But joy does appear, not as a ToDo but rather as a special visitor during these Advent weeks.
  
Hope is a mystery and a hug. Peace is forever and always a work in progress. And joy? Well joy is a sneaky rascal, stepping in at unexpected moments.

Joy is not something that I can seek, nor make happen. It is something that overtakes me in the quiet moments. My mind is crowded to the brim with lists, places to be and things to do. It's daunting! But just in the nick of time Advent III has arrived with the invitation to enter a blessed sanctuary away from the news feeds, the controversies, the noise, and the ToDo list. This week holds open a time for me to listen for the footfall of joy and when I hear it, step right up and join in the fun.

©2024 April Hoeller