It’s December 23rd – the “eve of Christmas Eve”. I’ve been hearing a concern from many who say something like … “I’ve not finished making/sending my Christmas cards – or received cards from friends I forgot to include in my Christmas card list? I meant to, but … the weather was miserable, I wasn’t well, work/the kids were demanding my attention, I didn’t have the energy, the postal strike upset my plans, I can’t get into the mood for Christmas this year with all of the terrible news …”
It’s the eve-of-Christmas-Eve and they’re thinking that it’s too late to mail anything before Christmas … the clock is ticking … December 25th is almost here and Christmas will be over too soon.
No! Christmas won’t be over on December 26th. Christmas isn’t just one day. Christmas is an entire season! Christmas Day simply is the First Day of the “Season of Christmas” and it’s followed by eleven other days: the Twelve Days of Christmas! 🙂
So ignore the television celebrities who have been having special 12 day giveaways … ignore the stores who will quickly remove the Christmas displays and put up Valentine’s Day displays. Ignore it all and enjoy the Twelve Days of Christmas. Each precious one of them.
The reality is – you’ve got time to enjoy Christmas! … you’ve got time to bake cookies and take them to a neighbour or friend who is unwell or on their own. … you’ve got time to send Christmas cards to family and friends. … you’ve got time to decorate because – Because the Season Christmas lasts until the end of January 5th!
On each of the Twelve Days of Christmas, “Soulistry” will offer a reflection about that day and link it to the well- known Twelve Days of Christmas song in a unique way. The series begins tomorrow night, Christmas Eve, at https://soulistry.com/blog Check it out each day or simply subscribe (it’s free).
May the Season of Christmas … all Twelve Days … extend the Spirit of Christmas beyond Christmas Day. May the Spirit of Christmas dwell deep within. May the Spirit of Christmas bring peace, joy, love, and hope to our pandemic-riddled world.
And by the way, if you wanted to send someone Christmas greetings (a card, a visit, a phone call, an email) do it! You’ve got lots of time. 🙂
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As always, you are invited to comment here and always welcome to share.
Have you read (and heard people complain) about the use of “Xmas” … instead of the use of “Christmas” in advertisements, cards, written greetings?
Have you begun to hear THOSE PHRASES yet? You know the ones … “Happy Holidays” and “Seasons Greetings” … instead of “Merry Christmas”?
I have, and can’t help but wonder why people get in such a flap over the phrases and spelling. Maybe it’s simply because they don’t know the history?
It seems that many believe that the use of “Xmas” is a recent invention or a secular attempt to remove the religious tradition from Christmas (by taking ‘Christ’ out of the word). It’s not. So, how about a short bit of history and reality about these two things? Here goes —- way, way back (some say as early as the 1st century) there was a practice of using contractions for divine/sacred names.
Have a look at the image from the Book of Lindisfarne (an Irish monastic foundation) c. 634 AD on the northeast coast of England – aka Holy Island. A lovely place that is filled with history that is palpable and I hope to return some day. 🙂 But, back to the Book of Lindisfarne — this photo is the “Chi-Rho” page and illustrates a distinctive long left leg of the Chi/X – a style also found in the other books: Book of Kells, Book of Durrow, St. Gallen Gospel Book etc..
“X” is a very old abbreviation for the word ‘Christ” which was written in the ancient Greek alphabet (ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ – cristos). The first two letters are called ‘Chi’ and ‘Rho’ and formed one of the earliest Christograms – a monogram that formed an abbreviation for the name of Jesus Christ known as the Chi-Rho. So, not a “modern” invention and not a secular attempt to remove the religious tradition from Christmas.
By the way, ‘Christ’ wasn’t a family name/surname. It was a title meaning ‘anointed’. If you doubt that, check out Webster’s Dictionary of English Usage (Merriam-Webster, 1994) which states that for many, many years, words like Christian and Christianity were written as Xtian, Xtianity.
Now, what about the use of “Happy Holidays,” and “Seasons Greetings,” rather than “Merry Christmas”?
Those phrases aren’t an attempt to remove the religious meaning of Christmas. Rather, they’re meant to acknowledge that at this time of the year, several religions have celebrations (holidays) – not just Christians. The use of “Happy Holidays – Seasons Greetings” acknowledge the reality that we don’t always know what others are celebrating, or even ‘if’ they are celebrating. And as there are days set aside as national holidays in the month of December, it’s very appropriate to wish people “Happy Holidays” or “Seasons Greetings” in general, and if they know what the other is celebrating, to wish them a specific greeting of “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Hanukkah” or “Happy Kwanzaa.”
I don’t know who created this chart, but I like it. If anyone knows who created it, please let me know so I can give appropriate accreditation. Thank you.
There is soooo much angst in this world. People are concerned and troubled and stressed and fearful. Let’s not add to the negativity.
Instead, when someone wishes us a special greeting this month, (whether or not we are observing that specific celebration,) may we, welcome the gesture and the good intention behind it, and be gracious, be gentle and be kind in response.
Winter Solstice is December 21st: a time in this part of the world when the North Pole is tilted farthest away from the Sun, bringing the fewest hours of sunlight of the year, colder temperatures, snow, dangerous icy roads, power outages, warning of bomb cyclones, torrential rains, powerful winds and darkness. Many find winter in this part of the world with its darkness, to be depressing, find the cold to be unbearable, and the ongoing respiratory bugs of the time of the year to be a concern.
Winter is experienced in more ways than the weather: ongoing concern about people in various parts of the world take over thoughts of hope as news of bombings, attacks, power outages, political threat; fear, hatred and chaos flood social media. Personal tragedies, illnesses and grief can contribute to the ‘Winter of the Soul’ experience. When that happens, the words of Albert Camus can be a reminder of the invincible part of our being: invincible love, invincible smile, invincible calm, invincible summer … and a reminder that Winter Solstice is not only the beginning of longer days – but of hope.
“In the midst of hate, I discovered within me an invincible love. In the midst of tears, I discovered within me an invincible smile. In the midst of chaos, I discovered an invincible calm. I realized through it all that, in the midst of winter, there was an invincible summer. For it says that no matter how hard the world pushes against me, within me there is something stronger something better, pushing right back.”
Today, December 21st, the shortest day and longest night of the year, marks a shift: darkness slowly begins to recede – light begins to expand. Days begin to get longer, albeit slowly, but they begin this day.
May those who experience a bleak ‘Winter of the Soul’, discover the Winter Solstice’s light of hope and healing of an “invincible summer.” May their spirit resonate with the words of author Margaret Atwood “This is the solstice, the still point of the sun, its cusp and midnight, the year’s threshold and unlocking, where the past lets go and becomes the future; the place of caught breath, the door of a vanished house left ajar” and encourage a break-through of the Winter of the Soul, giving time and space to look-within, nurturing connection to Spirit.
May we all have a joyful Solstice celebrating the return of the light.
Tomorrow, December 21st, is the longest night of the year. It’s Winter Solstice, in the final week of Advent, just days before Christmas. This is the time of the year when many are expecting to feel joy, be that because of their celebration of a religious festival or winter holiday, or simply connecting with family and friends.
But when people hurt, it’s difficult to feel joy. Many aren’t able to tap into any sense of hope or peace either, because of personal loss of a loved one, problems with finances, employment, housing, health, fear about the future.
Around this time each year, many churches and communities offer “Blue Christmas” services to try and offset the stress that is being felt by busyness, cacophony and expectations of the holiday season.
But, going out in the evening, when it is dark or the roads are impassable because of inclement weather or one is unwell, or when the thought of being with others feels even more draining that the festivities at the time of the year seem to bring, makes attendance at such services difficult.
And so, a thought came to me – create a When Christmas Hurts/Blue Christmas ritual for individuals who are sad/blue. If you are someone for whom peace, hope, joy are elusive at this time of the year, it is my prayer that following along with this liturgy will bring you comfort.
Before you begin, I encourage you to find some candles and a match. You might find a particular coloured candle or a variety of candle colours is helpful. Any four candles can help. I love the colour of royal blue and it “fits” with the Blue Christmas theme and royal blue is the colour of the Season of Advent (the four weeks before Christmas Day) for many.
As each candle is lit (hopefully in a darkened or semi-darkened room to get the effect of the light emanating from the candle), you may want to have some quiet music playing in the background or simply be in silence.Choose a time and place when tv, children, family, friends, loud music, electronic devices will not be a distraction.
Speak out loud or think / pray each phrase slowly, reflectively. There is no need to hurry. This is your time. Take the time to “be” in the moment.
To begin … take a few slow, deep breaths from your abdomen, inhaling a welcome of peace to yourself and exhaling that which brings anxiety. When you find your breathing has slowed down … begin.
LIGHT FIRST CANDLE AND SAY / THINK / PRAY SLOWLY AND QUIETLY
I light this candle to remember those persons who have been loved and lost this past year and in years long ago.
I pause to remember their name(s) … their face(s) … their voice(s). (Give yourself time to do this.)
I give thanks for the memory that binds them to me at this difficult time. (Give yourself time to do this)
May Eternal Love surround them.
[Silent time for reflection]
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LIGHT SECOND CANDLE AND SAY, THINK, PRAY SLOWLY AND QUIETLY
I light this second candle to redeem the pain of loss: … the loss of relationships … the loss of employment … the loss of health … the loss of hope … the loss of Christmas … the loss of … (whatever you are experiencing as ‘loss’ at this time)
(Give yourself time to think of those which apply to you.)
As I gather up the pain of the past, I offer it, asking that the gift of peace, shalom, wholeness be placed into my heart, my head, my spirit.
(Give yourself time to do this)
May I be refreshed, restored and renewed.
[Silent time for reflection]
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LIGHT THIRD CANDLE AND SAY, THINK, PRAY SLOWLY AND QUIETLY I light this third candle to remember myself.
I pause and remember the past weeks, months (years) … the down times … the poignancy of memories … the grief … the sadness … the hurts … the fear … the pain of reflecting on my own mortality … past Christmases
(Give yourself time to do this.)
May I remember that dawn defeats darkness.
May I remember the words written on a wall at Dachau prison — “I believe in the sun even when it’s not shining; I believe in the stars even when I see them not; I believe in God even when I don’t see God.” (or – I believe in Love even when I don’t feel Love.”)
[Silent time of reflection]
~~~~~~~ LIGHT FOURTH CANDLE AND SAY, THINK, PRAY SLOWLY AND QUIETLY
I light this fourth candle to remember the gift of hope.
I lean on the Holy One who shares my life … promises a place and time of no more pain and suffering … and who loves unconditionally
(Give yourself time to do this … or substitute any phrasing that will be meaningful for you).
May I not forget the One who shows the way and goes with me into my tomorrows.
[Silent time of reflection]
Amen. So be it. Amen. (“Amen” means “So be it.”)
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The “Blue Christmas” individual ritual/liturgy has now come to a close.
You may want to consider spending time in the darkness … looking at the lit candles … listening to quiet music … soaking in a hot bath … sipping a hot cup of tea or hot chocolate.
May you be assured that there are people who care and people who pray for ‘those who think that no one cares for them’.
I like to believe that in every legend, every parable, every story, there is a tidbit of ‘something’ that can bring good news. The legend of the Poinsettia plant might be such a story – if it is true. But even if it is not true, it is a good story. It’s a story about love. And a story about love is perfect for the Fourth Sunday in the Season of Advent with its theme of love.
The story so impressed Joel Roberts Poinsett (first U.S. Ambassador to Mexico and botany-lover), that he brought the bright red star-shaped flower to the United States from Mexico. And that is how, it is said, that the Poinsettia plant got its name. But what was the story – the legend?
Little Maria and her brother Pablo were very poor. They barely had enough to eat two meals a day. Each year, their village church in Mexico created a large Manger scene and everyone wanted to go and offer a gift to the Baby Jesus.
Even though the children had no money and couldn’t buy a gift, they wanted to see the baby and bring him a present. Maria thought they could bring some weeds growing along the roadside to make the bed softer for the baby and decorate the baby’s crib. But when they arrived with the weeds, other children teased and mocked them for bringing such a lowly gift. Maria and Pablo began to cry.
Suddenly, the weeds were transformed into bright red petals that looked like stars! Everyone was in awe. It soon became clear that what the sister and brother had brought the Christ Child was far dearer than the most expensive present that could be bought. They had brought the gift of Love. Precious. Valuable beyond any other gift.
But then again, the Gift of Love always is valuable and important. If you’re still uncertain about the importance of love, how about this wee story about Pooh, Piglet and Eeyore …
****************************************** One day, Pooh and Piglet realized that they hadn’t heard from Eeyore for several days, so they put on their hats and coats and trotted across the Hundred Acre Wood to Eeyore’s stick house. Inside the house was Eeyore. “Hello Eeyore,” said Pooh. “Hello Pooh. Hello Piglet,” said Eeyore, in a glum sounding voice. “We just thought we’d check in on you because we hadn’t heard from you, and so we wanted to know if you were okay” said Piglet. Eeyore was silent for a moment. “Am I okay? Well, I don’t know, to be honest. Are any of us really okay? That’s what I ask myself. All I can tell you, Pooh and Piglet, is that right now I feel really rather Sad, and Alone, and Not Much Fun To Be Around At All, which is why I haven’t bothered you, because you wouldn’t want to waste your time hanging out with someone who is Sad, and Alone, and Not Much Fun To Be Around At All, would you now.”
Pooh looked and Piglet, and Piglet looked at Pooh, and they both sat down, one on either side of Eeyore in his stick house. Eeyore looked at them in surprise. “What are you doing?”
“We’re sitting here with you,” said Pooh, “because we are your friends. True friends don’t care if someone is feeling Sad, or Alone, or Not Much Fun To Be Around At All. True friends are there for you anyway. And so here we are.”
“Oh. Oh” said Eeyore. And the three of them sat there in silence. While Pooh and Piglet said nothing at all, somehow, almost imperceptibly, Eeyore started to feel a very tiny bit better. Because Pooh and Piglet were There. No more. No less.
************************************** Life can be difficult. These days, it can seem to be almost impossible. Many are feeling just like Eeyore: ‘Sad and Alone and Not Much Fun to Be Around At All.’
We may not be together with family, friends in person because of geographical distance, illness, finances, politics, but we can be together – and share love (I love the phrase “Never let your theology get in the way of love” which is widely attributed online to John Spencer), in other ways. … we can pick up the phone and call someone we know … we can write someone an old-fashioned letter … we can send a text, an email, a handmade card, a decorated envelope.
And if we can’t do any of that, let’s ‘think’ of others: … think of people we know and consider part of our family … think of people we appreciate, but don’t know – shopkeepers, educators, health care professionals, recycling/garbage workers, municipal workers, restaurant employees, artisans and crafters, service people, postal workers, first responders, housecleaners, volunteers, politicians, lawyers, bus/truck drivers, religious leaders, computer technicians … and the list goes on. … think of people we don’t know personally, yet know about in our communities and this world we share: the homeless, unemployed, addicted, dispossessed, abused; those who are dying, grieving, depressed, sad, lonely, frightened; those at war; those dealing with mental, physical, spiritual illness.
As we ‘think’ of them, let’s “think love.” Let’s send thoughts of love’s healing to their body, mind and spirit. Some call that ‘prayer’. Some call it ‘energy’. By whatever name, it can be powerful!
May this be a blessed, very special Fourth Sunday of Advent in ways we cannot even begin to ask or imagine.
In this part of the world – the days are short – the nights are long – the weather is dreary. Many are experiencing darkness regardless of the weather, the time of the year/day. Darkness of the soul. Darkness of the mind. Darkness.
When the darkness seems to permeate, infiltrate, engulf, we must bring the light. we must send the light. we must be the light.
We can be the light as we focus on goodness not evil.
We can be the light as we offer a listening ear offer healing energy to a troubled world. hold the light for others, be present, be honest, be kind, be thoughtful.
We can be the light and reflect the Light of Hope and possibility by speaking up by speaking out by peaceful protest.
Where there is darkness … may we bring the light. Where there is darkness … may we send the light. Where there is darkness … may we *be* the light.
May we offer healing energy, prayer good thoughts. and focus on goodness even in the face of evil.
Don’t let the darkness of social media, the weather, conversations win. LIGHT – not darkness must be our focus. May our mantra be: Seek the light, Share the light. Be the light Welcome the Light.
My dear friends,
