A Message from Rev. Telos

“…This is the solstice, the still point
of the sun, its cusp and midnight,
the year’s threshold
and unlocking, where the past
lets go of and becomes the future;
the place of caught breath, the door
of a vanished house left ajar…”

― Margaret Atwood, Eating Fire : Selected Poetry, 1965-95

Dear all,

Ah, lights are being strung on porch railings and homes, strung around trees and bushes, candles lit in windows. I welcome these tiny lights in the darkness of night. For me, they symbolize unity and common ground, a flame of light to guide and offer hope, especially in these challenging and chaotic times. Seeing the lights brings back memories of riding through neighborhoods, singing carols as a family.

This month of December holds and honors traditions and holidays from a variety of religious and cultural traditions with the Christian season of Advent, the Pagan celebration of Yule and Winter Solstice, Jewish Hanukkah lights to lift up freedom and community, and a celebration of African-American culture with Kwanzaa. This time holds an abundance of rituals and music, celebration and reminders of the deep meaning of community. We have our amazing Holiday Bazaar, a long standing tradition of beautiful wreaths and handcrafted ornaments and gifts, delicious sweet treats that is our biggest fundraiser and a gift for the larger community! 

The closing words of Richard Bauckham’s poem First Light draw us in, bring us close to this time and to creatures that, like us are timid but sense kindness, might dream, and the trees feeling light on their leaves. “This time the trees tremble. Is it with a kind of reckless joy at the gentle light lapping their leaves like the very first turn of a tide? Timid creatures creep out of burrows sensing kindness and the old crow on the cattle-shed roof folds his wings and dreams.” 

May each of us find ourselves surprised by familiar rituals and songs, touched by the comradery that seems to happen more during this season, and kindness, yes. It is always needed. May the Light of our community shine in the darkness! 

Blessings,

Rev. Telos

 

First Light
                              –Richard Bauckham

After all the false dawns,
who is this who unerringly paints
the first rays in their true colours?
We have kept vigil with owls
when the occult noises of the night
fell tauntingly silent
and a breeze got up
as if for morning.
This time the trees tremble.
Is it with a kind of reckless joy
at the gentle light
lapping their leaves
like the very first turn of a tide?
Timid creatures creep out of burrows
sensing kindness
and the old crow on the cattle-shed roof
folds his wings and dreams.