The Longest Night ramblings

Hmm. Tonight is the longest night of the year and I wonder... why don't we celebrate the birth of Christ, the One True Light, on December 22, when the days begin to be longer, and the LIGHT gains control over the darkness? I wonder... does the number of people with depression lessen as the days get longer? I wonder ... are more babies conceived on this night? I wonder... why God made the world with varying amounts of light in each day? I wonder ... why does the longest night come in this cold time of year--why not when it's hot?
It's interesting that our family spent the shortest night --longest day-- in Costa Rica last summer. What a contrast to today --in light, in temperature, in attitude (I'm a nicer person when it's light--and warm)! Though I don't like these long nights, they are good for me... kinda like spinach. The added darkness gives more time for thought, for rest, for peace. If it were light 20 hours a day, as it is in some parts of the world, I'd be doing stuff ... making hay while the sun shines.
Thank-you, God, once again for providing what we need. Bless those people who dread the night, whose fears and sorrows heighten in the darkness. Shine your warming Light into their hearts and may they find rest and peace in You.

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree ...

Why do my family members run and hide when it's time to trim the tree? Could it be that it takes me three hours and that I have to tell the story behind every ornament? With Andre Bocelli or Celine Dion singing carols in the background, I exclaim, "Oh, look--here's Lana's ornament from 1995--a dog. She's always loved dogs." Hey Philip, do you remember Mr. Karkow, your first grade teacher? Here's the ornament he gave you in first grade." "Aww... look at the pretty gold treble clef. A sweet little girl named Olivia gave that to me when I taught preschool Kindermusic."
There was a beautiful tree inside Green Bank today. Only three different items adorned its branches: pine cones, birds' nests, and red berries. Everything was placed just so on the branches, making the tree perfectly coiffed and so ... southern living. I love creativity and symmetry and artistry but, while beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, real joy comes in the sweet memories of living and loving.
Our tree has tons of handmade and storebought "religious" treasures including stars and nativities and angels and crosses--yes, even crosses. The journey to the cross began at Christmas and therefore brings a hint of sadness; yet, that sadness is overshadowed by the unquenchable hope and assurance we have in Christ. Despite life's struggles and day-to-day battles, I know WHO wins in the end and ... I'm with HIM. Happy Advent!