It's Winter!

Duh!

As someone rudely said on the news, the calendar has finally caught up with the weather!

However, I would like to reflect on the fact that this is the first day of winter. No, this does not have anything to do with the abundance of snow. It has more to do with the light, or lack of it. Not only have the days been getting shorter, but with all the storms, the amount of light has been slight. Medically it has been proven that we thrive on light. In fact maybe you are one of those people that needs light supplements to keep going during the wintertime. I know more than one person that has installed full spectrum lighting in their home and office just to shake off the affects of the lack of natural light. Even if you are not light deprived, who who deny the impact of a bright sunny day (okay, even a couple of hours) on our spirits. Maybe the flowers and other plants have it right as they turn to the light (Scientifically it is called: Phototropism). I digress.

It is the first day of winter. Do you know what that means? Yes, among other things, the daylight hours will begin to lengthen! Here comes the light! As I thought about the physical impact of increased light on our psyche, I couldn't help making a spiritual application. Jesus said, "I AM the Light of the World." We usually think of light in contrast to darkness. Like turning on a light in a dark room or carrying a flashlight or lantern to see where we are going in the darkness of night. Jesus certainly illumines our life and shows us the way, but what if there was more. What if we needed the light to not just find our way, but in a more basic sense... to live? What if our soul and spirit yearns for Light like our bodies yearn for light? I believe they do. It only makes sense, the one who made us and sustains us would put within us a spiritual yearning for the Light. I think there are many in this world that don't have a clue why they are physically down in the winter months, not realizing they are deprived of natural light. There are many more that are spiritual "down" because they do not realize the are deprived of spiritual Light. However, when exposed to the Son our hearts turn to Him as a plant turns to the sun.

Remember the daylight grows from this day forward for the next 1/2 year. Enjoy the Light as well!

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For you Narnia fans, this might be a good time to reread "The Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe." Narnia was a place where it was "always winter but never Christmas..." then Aslan came!