Today, December 21st, is the winter solstice, the shortest day (and the longest night) of the year. It’s been a rough year, and the urge to hit the snooze button, to hunker down and just get through it all- the solstice, the year- is strong.
But Yule, in the old ways, the pagan ways, isn’t bleak at all. It’s no accident that we Christians celebrate the most profound of holidays in this season.
It’s the shortest day of the year, yes, but that’s one of those ‘cup half empty/cup half full’ things. The days are done getting shorter. From here on out, better, or at least longer, days are coming. In my younger or jogging days, I’d run on the rail trail that passes through town, (sometimes) even in winter. There was a young peach tree next to the trail, and I was amazed when I found that in mid-February I could smell peaches. The tree was warm to the touch, and you could hear the sap running.
Get out from under that blanket or throw, and celebrate the season. Winter light is pale, but it’s no less beautiful than the glare of a summer sun. Thomas Paine was right: it’s dearness that gives things their value. Let Yule be our reminder of that truth.