This weekend we approach Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year, and in the Northern Hemisphere, rituals and ceremonies associated with deep midwinter. When daylight is limited, snow is high, and the darkness is pervasive.

It is at this time, traditionally, we go into ourselves, into our darkness, and reflect. It is also why at this time we light candles, look for hope, and celebrate the passing of the longest night of year, and look forward to the lengthening days and the coming of Spring.

I have been reflecting on the way in which the season of advent was overlain on winter solstice. I have found myself this week thinking about what it would be like to prepare for advent with the cold, soggy, frosts, and long dark starry nights that I am experiencing this week. What it might mean to welcome the light of the world, or to light advent candles each evening and experience the increasing brightness each week.

I returned to this midwinter world last Sunday, after experiencing the bright energy of World Conference, an event filled with hope, and light for the future. Now, as I rug up and face the cold, dark reality of winter, the metaphor is ripe with meaning.

Tomorrow is Winter Solstice, and I will be sitting deep with my midwinter thoughts. I plan to light a candle to represent the energy and light that Christ, the divine, brings to my life. To represent the love and joy surrounding me in this community. And to represent the hope that our shared vision gives me, as we move towards Spring and the coming of new life, personally and collectively.

Annie Falcke