Tuesday marks the darkest day of the year, with the longest night. During that night the moon will be eclipsed, most prominately in the North American continent.
Traditionally that night marks the moment when darkness has its greatest reign, to be then conqured by the returning light. The following day beginning the return of light and the defeat of darkness.
This moment in nature marks a profound moment for those who believe nature has something to say. It is an invitation to us to allow the light to begin to grow within us; to begin our own journey back into the light and to leave behind the darkness.
I think I’ll accept the invitation again this year, and mark the moment by renewed effort. The particular alignment required for us to pass through the eye of a needle and enter the Lord’s presence is indeed possible. For anyone. On the same conditions. It is a balance worth the time required to train ourselves.
Nature testifies endlessly of the Lord. It also invites us endlessly to turn back to Him. This continuing patience and enduring invitiation shown in nature is a reminder of how loving and patient, how persistent and committed the Lord is to our salvation. Salvation is predicated upon the same, universal standard for all who would return to Him. In that respect it is as exact and unchanging as the cycles of nature. Despite its exacting requirements, it is endlessly inviting and continually encouraging us to accept that standard and to live it. Not just to say, but to do.
I intend to do something, then, to show Him I want to return to the Light.