Winter Solstice

Yesterday we celebrated the winter solstice – the shortest day of the year.  It marks the beginning of the lengthening of days when we have a gradual increase in the daylight hours.  As we approach the Christmas miracle let us remember that the true light of hope and peace comes to us once again as we recall the birth of Christ.

In Rosetti’s song, In the Bleak Mid-Winter we hear the familiar hymn:

1      In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan, earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone; snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow, in the bleak midwinter, long ago.

2      Our God, heaven cannot hold him, nor earth sustain; heaven and earth shall flee away when he comes to reign. In the bleak midwinter a stable place sufficed the Lord God Almighty, Jesus Christ.

3       Angels and archangels may have gathered there, cherubim and seraphim thronged the air; but his mother only, in her maiden bliss, worshiped the beloved with a kiss.

         What can I give him, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb; if I were a Wise Man, I would do my part; yet what can I give him: give my heart.

As we busy ourselves getting ready for Christmas let us remember to truly give Christ our hearts!

Pat Schifini, OSU