(I begin by apologizing for lateness; plumbing and routers are both afflicted.)
Welcome to Brothers and Sisters, the weekly meetup for prayer* and community at Daily Kos. We put an asterisk on pray* to acknowledge that not everyone uses conventional religious language, but may want to share joys and concerns, or simply take solace in a meditative atmosphere. Anyone who comes in the spirit of mutual respect, warmth and healing is welcome.
As someone who has borne children, this time of year always reminds me of parts of being pregnant.
In between the sickness and the miseries and indignities of it, there is expectancy. There are baby showers, painting the nursery, picking out a crib, a car seat, being awed at the cuteness of miniature socks and caps, packing and repacking the bag, and discussing names. As time comes closer, we clean house, we get everything in order. The baby is coming.
In my pagan tradition, at the solstice, the Lord of Light is born of the Goddess, and our symbolism often reflects that of traditional Christianity. But to us, He comes not to save or redeem, but to reassure us that with new life there is, despite everything that is wrong and dark and twisted, there is hope, there is a fresh start, and there is a new outlook on existence. The world is changed.
And so, as we expect this rebirth in twenty days, let us do our own housecleaning, not of the physical kind....unless you want to....but of the mental and spiritual kind. Let us make our hearts and spirits a fit place to receive this new hope, this new Light, whatever name you might call Him.
Bright blessings, my friends.