Long before Christianity evolved, people on the northern half of the planet celebrated the winter solstice as the end of the dark times and the coming of light. Roman Christianity moved the day on which it commemorates the birth of Jesus to the winter solstice. It added a layer to the meaning of the holiday.
Hope for a new beginning, needed as much today as ever. Hope that the walls of darkness will come down.
*Picture courtesy of the (no longer reachable) Bethlehem Association
Like every Christmas I am visiting my larger family and enjoy to cook for them. The kids have grown and challenge me to adopt to their new tastes. Their minds are still mostly untouched by the dark realities we usually discuss here. They are open for new insights and challenges. Their curiosity encourages us to be likewise open to new ideas.
I wish you all a contemplative, hope- and peaceful Christmas.
Bernhard