I know Christmas is just around the corner, but I confess I’ve been eagerly anticipating December 21st. It’s the date of the winter solstice. The longest night of the year. This date signifies a turning point for me; the return of the light.
In Alaska, winter is dark. Right now, I drive to work in the dark and return home in the dark. And on December 21st, here in Anchorage, the sun will rise at 10:14 a.m. and set at 3:41 p.m. Only five hours and twenty-eight minutes of sunshine. On the flip side, that means eighteen hours and thirty-two minutes of darkness. And as long as that night feels, imagine living above the Arctic Circle in the town of Utqiagvik. In this northern village, the sun sets on November 18th and isn’t seen again until January 23rd. Sixty-seven days with no sun. The seeming death of the light.
The Latin word “solstice” translates roughly to “sun stands still.” During the long days leading to the winter solstice, the sun seems to pause on the horizon, no longer arcing high in the sky. Did you know if you stand outside at noon on the day of the winter solstice, your shadow will be the longest that you’ll cast all year?
As Christmas approaches, I realize many people struggle with another kind of darkness. The darkness of grief. In the past year, the death of a loved one has dimmed the light in many of our lives. After the death of my Mom last December, I struggled with my grief. Many others are grieving the loss of a dream, a business, a relationship. And all of us have felt the weight of living through a pandemic. The shadow of grief is long.
I love Christmas. Joy is contagious, and even the large crowds in the store can’t dim my happiness. But this year, I’ve noticed many people struggling with overwhelming pain and grief during what many consider a season of joy.
So as the longest night approaches, let’s take time to acknowledge the presence of sadness, pain, and grief that many people carry in their hearts this Christmas. Maybe you are struggling in what feels like the midnight of your life.
As the longest night approaches, let’s turn our eyes to what waits on the other side of the darkness. The return of light. The light of Jesus.
“For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ.”
2 Corinthians 4:6 (NLT)
On the far side of the longest night, we can celebrate the return of the light. Often, the light may be dim at first, but it flickers deep in our souls, and the darkness cannot overcome it.
My friend, if you are struggling with the darkness, I pray that Jesus will shine in your heart. I pray that His light brings healing to your aching soul.
May His light pierce the darkness of your longest night, and your heart sing once again.
So beautiful! I weep for those that refuse to leave the darkness and will not let the Son in. I pray for those that are so close to accepting Jesus as their Lord and Savior! He alone makes everything beautiful! Merry Christmas, Robin! So proud of your writing.
Thank you, Mary! So true – Jesus is truly the shining light in our lives. Merry Christmas, Mary!
I enjoy your blogs so much. They are just like a good visit.
I’m so glad you enjoy my blogs. I love that they feel like a good visit!! Have a Merry Christmas.
Yes, Alaska is at times so dark and many are depressed.. but Jesus brings great light . I am not missing that part of Alaska as Texas is our new home.. I do ask for prayer for our daughter Tammy as she is facing some possible pancreas cancer.. we found out yesterday that it has not spread and now praying that it’s benign. We will know more soon.. yes my heart is heavy, but it has a light that is shining and great Joy. Love your blog.. have a MERRY CHRISTMAS !! Love Becky
Becky, Jesus is the light! I’ll be praying for your daughter as she waits for this diagnosis. Love you! Have a wonderful Christmas enjoying the beautiful Texas weather!
Perfect! I have a daughter in Law struggling with her Mom’s passing this year. I’m praying She and her Sister will allow Jesus to Shine through and pierce their darkness.
Perfect! My daughter in Law lost her Mother this past summer and she is having a difficult time dealing with the darkness of her passing so young. I’m praying God’s light will shine through and pierce that darkness in her life.
Sabrina, I will be praying for your daughter-in-law. I struggled with my mom’s passing, and part of that had to do with the fact that I wasn’t allowed to be with her when she passed because of covid restrictions at her memory care facility. But Jesus reminded me, that He was there with her, even when I couldn’t be. Have a Merry Christmas, my friend!
Thank you, Robin, for your awesome blogs that always come at just the right time with just what I need at the time. Thank you for allowing Christ to shine His light to our dark world through you. You are an inspiration and a blessing. God’s blessings to you and yours this Christmas—and always. Love you.
Patsy, you are such a wonderful encourager. I’m so thankful God can use my simple words to bless others. Have a Merry Christmas, dear friend!
As usual Robin well done. We have shorter days, but nothing like Alaska.
Teresa and I are wishing all the best to you and Randy.
Joe and Dasha are at peace knowing they are in the middle of God’s will, with their ministry in Ukraine. With your old ties to Russia I would imagine you have a good perspective.
Merry Christmas, Dennis & Teresa! We excited for Joe and Dasha’s ministry. Tonight after our Christmas Eve service we will be having our traditional Russian dinner of pelmeni!
I am so excited about Joe & Dasha’s ministry in Ukraine. Tonight after our Christmas Eve service we will be celebrating with a traditional Russian meal of pelmeni. Merry Christmas to you and Teresa!