Nadir

37. Week of December 13

The Christmas Rose I joyfully bear

Into the world’s wintry night

That into the earth’s foundation there

Root the seeds of spirit’s light

Souls rest in senses dark

God’s word a singing spark!

So I found out last year that I am more Scandinavian than I had thought - lots of old Viking blood on my father’s side of the family tree. This is why youngest child looks like a Karl Larsson painting.

Tonight - the eve of December 13 - was considered to be the darkest night of the year according to Scandinavian tradition. In the morning, the eldest daughter of the household, dressed as a sun goddess, brings her family a celebratory breakfast to honor the light that shines in the darkness.

We’re not yet turning the corner, actually - that’s next week. This is the seventh week after All Hallows - so we are actually now in the deepest darkness of the year (if you’re in the northern hemisphere). This is a week to honor the peace and rest and the dream-insights that come with the night and darkness and winter.

The rose of summer grows from the dark earth. The seeds of our future are dreaming. We carry the light into the darkness and bring refreshment and joy to the world.