December 21, 2009 was the shortest day of the year for us living in the northern hemisphere. And now we brace for the really cold blast as we have less daylight to warm us. Animals, plants and humans alike need each other for warmth to survive.

We are all in this together.

Even though we push for more light every day, we still wrestle in the darkness both physical and spiritual. Some animals hibernate and others migrate. Plants shed their leaves or stop growing for awhile. And we humans and pets tend to go a little slower and move closer for warmth.

Yes, thank God the days are growing longer and longer for the next six months. In the fourth moon we will embrace the source of all light, but first we will embrace a spiritual darkness on Good Friday during the “Passover” moon.

Then we will truly have hope in more abundant life and blooms and birth. Jesus will die on a stripped tree. This is the wood of the cross on which hung the Savior of the world! Come let us worship!

It amazes me how trees shed their color and coat of leaves as the winter blasts them. You would think that they would truly need that protection to survive. As the cold air threatens many Florida plants this week with cold Canadian and Artic air, I sense that plants have a spirit about them. My orchid plant that sits on my kitchen sink seems to be oblivious to the cold outside as she decided to bloom this week. She has been blooming for about five years now. I think she likes me talking to her and singing to her every morning.

We humans have artificially lighted our Christmas lights to soften the dark and cold nights of winter. I kind of wish we could keep them lit, but we start to pack them away until next Advent.

However, the truth settles in. Winter is a time to be stripped like the trees and die to another year physically and spiritually. Our New Year asks us to start anew and wait for longer and warmer days. How wonderful to be connected to all creation in the cycle of life, winter, spring, summer and fall. How hopeful and trusting we are in the love and compassion of the Creator of All.

Happy New Year!

May your Epiphany of light be in your mind, heart, winter and soul.

Love, joy, peace,

Father Ron Moses +

www.tearinthedesert.com

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