A Season of Wonder and Hope

Last December, life felt overwhelming. Anger or even fear seemed to be replacing kindness in people's interactions. Friendships, relationships and community felt threatened by the harsh words we were so ready to throw at each other. Judgement, harshness and anger seemed to rule life. The burden was heavy, and I found it overwhelming. Then, 2018 happened.

This has been a significant year in my life, and I'm sure in many of yours. There have been difficulties and victories, and in the end, one thing that brought me through the last 12 months was the promise of hope. That's why I'm publishing this message again -- to offer you the promise of hope this holiday season, and beyond.

The holiday season, is a time to pause and breathe a silent wish for peace and kindness on earth. Author Unknown

Many religious, spiritual, and cultural celebrations mark winter, the season of darkness. They are clustered around the winter solstice, the longest night of the year.

In the time before artificial lighting, the darkness was deep and profound. Bonfires would roar in the night and candles would burn. Rituals of darkness and light were powerful and deeply meaningful.

It was a frightening time of the year. There was always the possibility that they would not survive the dangers of winter.

Most of the celebrations are centered on the light as a reminder that growth and harvest would return. The end of the longest night meant that days would get longer and nights shorter. That the light would come once again and they would be safe.

These celebrations represented hope.

We are no longer threatened by the dark, but we live in a time of fear, confusion and chaos. We are still afraid. What the world needs is peace and kindness so that hope can grow.

No matter how sad, lonely, angry or afraid you are, this is the season of hope, wonder and miracles. As long as there is life there is hope.

Take a moment to offer a wish, say a prayer, sing a song, do a dance, meditate, or light a candle. Do this for the world and all who live here. We need your help.