December is a season of grieffor so many people
in so many places.
Folks sometimes feel guilty
for not feeling merrier,
for not feeling peppy and happy
and full of light and song.
We forget the stories behind our holidays.
Chanukah, a time of darkness, war and want...
and a miracle of light in the darkness.
Christmas, a time of taxes, oppression,
and poverty...
and the miracle of God's presence
in the midst of all the pain.
Even Solstice...the shortest, darkest day of the year...
and the hope that the days will grow longer,
that the sun will return,
that gardens will grow again
in the cycle of time.
