Advent Darkness

On the shortest and darkest day of the year, Elena LaVictoire contemplates the light we anticipate at Christmas.

Today is the shortest day of the year. Starting tomorrow, the bleak mornings will slowly but surely get lighter. Soon people won’t be driving home from work in the dark. And most importantly, the longer days will bring an end to winter and spring will be just around the corner.

This short day feels like a turning point for other reasons as well. With Christmas just four days away, all of our preparations are just about over. Busy moms will appreciate knowing the end is near, as will retail workers and church musicians!

I think the closest analogy to this time of Advent might appropriately be pregnancy. It’s exciting to be pregnant, but it takes a lot of effort and planning to get through it. Some of that is painful and most of it is stressful. But at the end of all of that is the payoff – a beautiful baby. And so it is with all of the preparation of Advent that leads us to a fulfilling and bright Christmas.

But just for today, take the time to bask in the peacefulness of the dark. Use the time in the darkness to think about what that was like for the Holy Family on route to Bethlehem, in the cold and blackness before sunrise. In the evening, enjoy the twilight of the lights in our homes as the night overcomes the daylight one last time. Even the dimness can have its blessings.

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As the darkness disappears, Jesus – the light of the world – grows. #catholicmom

As we prepare for the return of light and the coming Christmas Day, let’s renew our resolve to tune into the beauty and celebrate the blessings that surround us. Find gratitude even if the circumstances are less than ideal. And remember as the darkness disappears, Jesus – the light of the world – grows.

O Radiant Dawn,
splendor of eternal light, sun of justice:
come and shine on those who dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death.

20211221 ELaVictoire 2

I create the light and make the darkness. I send good times and bad times. I, the LORD, am the one who does these things. Open up, O heavens, and pour out your righteousness. Let the earth open wide so salvation and righteousness can sprout up together. I, the LORD, created them. (Isaiah 45:7-8)