Reflections on a Winter Solstice

Today is the Winter Solstice, the longest night and the shortest day of the year. In the "bleak December," we huddle against the cold and turn on artificial lighting to press back against the darkness. This is the deepest, darkest night of the year, but with it comes a promise. From this day forward, until the Summer Solstice, the days will grow longer, the nights will wane shorter. The shivering cold will give way to balmy breezes and then to oppressive summer heat.

The Earth still revolves on its path around the sun. The Earth still rotates from night to day. Even in the darkest night, we know we only have to wait for the light to return. This, too, shall pass.

On this longest night of the year, let us be grateful for the night, for the darkness, for the chill that shivers within us, and for the promise of the light and the warmth that is coming. Turn on the lights. Step out and see the bright constellations against the velvet winter sky. Remember that the days, weeks, months and years will spin past us. Try to remember them all if you can.