In a couple days we have the Winter Solstice, which is both the best and worst of days, according to Mom. The sun is ‘way south of the equator, meaning there is not much daylight up here in the north. It is the day of shortest daylight and longest night. oddly, it does not mean it is the latest sunrise or earliest sunset by the clock; this is due to the oval quirks of the earths orbit. But the good news is that it means the daylight will start getting longer! It’ll be awhile before we see any change, but here in Montana, feeding in the dark won’t go on forever. The bad news is this is also the first day of winter. When it seems like winter has already been here for months, we find it is just starting. There is still plenty of cold and snow and after dark chores I think.
Some years the planets seem closer and look bright; Mom and I will be outside, just after sunset, looking toward the southwest to see. It may not be the Star of Bethlehem, but it is a good reminder of that blessed event and the reason for Christmas. And this night of darkness won’t last – it is followed by all the light of Christmas!
I think I’ll sing a little Christmas song as I watch: “Star of wonder, Star of night, Star with royal beauty bright. Westward leading, still proceeding, guide us to thy perfect light”.
