Spring to Christmas

The first day of winter is today. The Roman Catholic Lectionary has text from the Song of Songs which is entitled Springtime Rhapsody. This is, for some, a hopeful thought. However the joy of spring and the images of the blooming of love are the important seeds for the imagination in the days before the celebration of Christmas. It is celebrated at that time of year when the darkness of the shortest day, the winter solstice, has begun to be replaced by the return of the light with the promise of love and peace. Our hope is always that the Promise of Christmas will be fulfilled. Our faith is to trust that Providence provides gracious gifts to accomplish the Promise and our charity is to be joy and hope for all as we bring the indwelling Spirit on our Christmas visits.