As I write this, it is snowing... Again.
I don’t know about you, but I’m getting a little tired of winter. This stark weather can have a slightly demoralizing effect on a person. After looking at lots of grey, we may begin to feel a little colorless ourselves.
The ancient church had a unique way of recognizing the winter-fatique that many feel. On Feb. 2, the mid-point of winter, halfway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox, the church held a service called Candlemas, wherein members would bring their candles into the church to be blessed. Candlemas recognized that sometimes we need a little encouragement to get through the dark times of our lives. Sometimes we need a reminder to believe that the light of the sun really is advancing and spring will come again.
I know many of us are ready for sunshine and green grass, tulips and daffodils, robins and wrens... We’re ready for our souls to feel vibrant again!
Until renewal comes, however, we must trust that the Son, the Light of the World is gaining against any spiritual darkness.
At this midwinter point, we might do well to "candlemas" ourselves (instead of our candles) by asking for God’s blessing during this stark time and praying that the Light will bring fire to us and give us a spark and warmth and glow that will lead others to receive God’s blessings also!
After all, we’ve still got six more weeks till spring!
God go with you, friends! (And stay warm!)
~April
I don’t know about you, but I’m getting a little tired of winter. This stark weather can have a slightly demoralizing effect on a person. After looking at lots of grey, we may begin to feel a little colorless ourselves.
The ancient church had a unique way of recognizing the winter-fatique that many feel. On Feb. 2, the mid-point of winter, halfway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox, the church held a service called Candlemas, wherein members would bring their candles into the church to be blessed. Candlemas recognized that sometimes we need a little encouragement to get through the dark times of our lives. Sometimes we need a reminder to believe that the light of the sun really is advancing and spring will come again.
I know many of us are ready for sunshine and green grass, tulips and daffodils, robins and wrens... We’re ready for our souls to feel vibrant again!
Until renewal comes, however, we must trust that the Son, the Light of the World is gaining against any spiritual darkness.
At this midwinter point, we might do well to "candlemas" ourselves (instead of our candles) by asking for God’s blessing during this stark time and praying that the Light will bring fire to us and give us a spark and warmth and glow that will lead others to receive God’s blessings also!
After all, we’ve still got six more weeks till spring!
God go with you, friends! (And stay warm!)
~April
