Hard as iron

We’re at the Winter Solstice, that point in the calendar where those in the Northern Hemisphere experience the longest night. For millennia, humans have found ways—physical and spiritual—to defend against the darkness; one of them is to celebrate the turning of the cycle. After tonight, night retreats day by day until balance is achieved at the equinox, and then the tide turns again at the Summer Solstice.

It’s no coincidence that religious traditions lay on the candles at this time of the year or that much of the imagery revolves around the warmth and light of loved ones gathered in circumstances of good will. Even if too much of that is marketing hype these days, it’s still a good thing to consider allowing some lightness into our lives.

Though difficult, I imagine that the Ukrainian people are doing exactly this at every opportunity they have, though those opportunities be fleeting. And I have so much respect for them.

Today’s Advent piece is perfect for Solstice—Gustav Holst’s setting of the poem by Christina Rosetti, “In the Bleak Midwinter”. IMO Rosetti captures the essence of winter: "Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone." But then she walks us back, just like the sun does, starting tomorrow.

Here's the Quire Cleveland performing it.

May everyone find light and warmth even in the coldest and darkest places.