The light and miracles of the season
I am the light of the world ...
- John 8:12 (NIV)
By Annettee Budzban
Daily Herald correspondent
I texted my friend the number of days until the solstice takes place. "That's the best news I heard all day!" she texted back.
As soon as December rolls around, I start informing my friends and family that the countdown has begun. Oh, I'm not referring to the countdown for Christmas, although many of you know I enjoy Advent calendars and join me in the delight of that.
I'm talking about another countdown - the number of days leading to Dec. 21, when the days begin to get a bit lighter, as moments of daylight start to accumulate on each one.
In the bleak, dark, sunless days of winter, my friends hear me report the number of days left until the winter solstice takes place. After all the years of hearing this, this year in particular, they started asking me how many days it would be. The thought of light for everyone is like a breath of springtime in the midst of a Midwest winter.
On the darkest night of the year, Dec. 20, God performed a pre-Christmas miracle none can deny. While we sleep, the solstice takes place and the break of dawn brings with it a minute or more of sunlight to brighten and warm our days. And we can't refute the miracle, because it's proven through science and our visual senses.
Besides the solstice bringing light this time of year, there are other miraculous, historical stories celebrated. One is known since ancient times as the Jewish Festival of Lights, when the temple menorah or lamp remained lit for eight days, although it contained only enough oil for one.
There was the star of Bethlehem, a star of gigantic proportions with brilliance that lit up the eastern sky and led the three Wise Men to the Christ child. It is one of the miraculous Bible facts of our Christmas story.
The interesting scenario about all of these accounts is they are all surrounded by miracles and light.
No wonder we enjoy celebrating Christmas with twinkling lights. Some are strands of multi-colors, other cast a soft, white glow that adds a warmth to our senses. We love the splendor of the lights so much, we can't seem to get enough of them - even to the point of fighting over who holds the greatest display.
When I think of these amazing stories, I wonder if God planted the solstice just days before we celebrate the birth of Christ, who is referred to in the Bible as the Spiritual light of the world. Maybe God thought if He could reach our senses with some visual illumination, it might illuminate something in our spirits to help us believe in His light and love. After all, the thought of so many miracles involving light within just a few days of each other, is a thought to ponder and embrace.
As we celebrate the season for light, love and miracles, let's pray and believe for God to light our lives with His divine goodness and a mighty miracle to make our hearts a bit lighter.
• Annettee Budzban is an author, speaker, life coach, nurse and Bible teacher. She can be contacted at Annetteebudzban@aol.com or (847) 543-8413.