Pursue Justice this Winter Solstice

Today's Winter Solstice marks the turning of the seasons towards winter and the longest night of the year. In its turning, the days begin to lengthen, and we look again expectantly forward, towards light.This time of year beckons us to celebrate the return of the sun as a symbol of hope, that life will return to the landscape. Hence, Winter Solstice celebrates the "birth of the sun." But let's not forget the gift of the darkness and ponder its meaning this night of nights.In the darkness, much of Creation seems to pull inward, covering itself for colder days and less light. It must "turn in" in order to prepare for renewal through new growth. We can take cues from Creation during the winter and pull inward ourselves, looking closely at what keeps us from being connected to the Earth's rhythms. We can begin to notice what might be growing within us that beckons to be summoned by the light to come.Here at GIPL, some days are enveloped in the darkness of environmental injustice and destruction of Creation. But even in the midst of darkness, we believe in justice. Always, in faith, we look towards the light. The Winter Solstice offers a special opportunity for reflection on this tension.May your own exploration of the Winter Solstice be enriched by the following reflections and help you to consider the meaning of this year's Winter Solstice for your Earth-honoring journey:Blessings for the Longest NightAll throughout these monthsas the shadowshave lengthened,this blessing has beengathering itself,making ready,preparing forthis night...Read more here.© Jan Richardson. janrichardson.com"But winter darkness has a positive side to it. As we gather to celebrate the first turn from winter to spring, we are invited to recognize and honor the beauty in the often unwanted season of winter. Let us invite our hearts to be glad for the courage winter proclaims. Let us be grateful for the wisdom winter brings in teaching us about the need for withdrawal as an essential part of renewal. Let us also encourage our spirits as Earth prepares to come forth from this time of withdrawal into a season filled with light." -Excerpt from "A Celebration of Winter Solstice", Joyce Rupp and Macrina Wiederkehr Read more here."If we see Hanukkah as intentionally, not accidentally, placed at the moment of the darkest sun and darkest moon, then one aspect of the candles seems to be an assertion of our hoep for renewed light. Just as at Sukkot we poured the water in order to remind God to pour out rain, perhaps one reason for us to light the candles is to remind God to renew the sun and moon."-Rabbi Arthur Waskow Read more here.Happy Winter Solstice from all of us at GIPL!