Yule – 21 December 2020

Here a Norse man and his child are out in the snow. The text says: ‘They lighted candles in the winter trees. They hung their homes with evergreen.’ The picture illustrates a tradition that predates the celebration of Christmas at Yuletide (21 December – 1 January), a tradition that remains today in the homes and gardens of many, those Christian as well as those that are not. Trees and lights and evergreens will be seen in our churches this week, a sign of older traditions that have been incorporated into worship. The traditions of the north speak of generations of our ancestors, who looked for hope in the turning of the year. It is as an answer to this search that the birth of Jesus is located in our calendar at this time of year. He is the light, he is the tree, he is ever-green and full of life.

21 December is the shortest day of the year, followed by the longest night. The picture here comes from The Shortest Day, written by Susan Cooper and illustrated by Carson Ellis, a poetic book for children which celebrates the winter solstice and the Yuletide season. It considers how the rituals around this season connect those living now with the generations that have gone before, and say something about the hope for peace that we carry into the future.

Perhaps I will stay with you for a while, or even spend the winter, so that you can help me on my journey, wherever I go.

St Paul, 1 Corinthians 16:6

You have established all the boundaries of the earth;
You have made summer and winter.

Psalm74:17

Cauld blaws the wind frae east to west,
The drift is driving sairly;
Sae loud and shrill’s I hear the blast,
I’m sure it’s winter fairly.

Up in the morning’s no for me,
Up in the morning early;
When a’ the hills are cover’d wi’ snaw,
I’m sure its winter fairly.

The birds sit chittering in the thorn,
A’ day they fare but sparely;
And lang’s the night frae e’en to morn,
I’m sure it’s winter fairly.

Up in the morning’s no for me,
Up in the morning early;
When a’ the hills are cover’d wi’ snaw,
I’m sure its winter fairly.

Robert Burns, 1788

As days become shorter and darker, God,
We remember that you give us both warmth and light.
We thank you for our family and life.
We remember that you are our strength and refuge-
especially when the world is dark and cold.
Bless us, and continue to bless us during these months of winter. Amen

Julie B Sevig