In this final episode of my Advent series, I delve into the rich symbolism of the winter solstice, the longest night of the year. I reflect on my previous themes of hope, darkness, and liminality, exploring how this season invites rest, transformation, and the anticipation of light's return. I also address the misconception that Christians "stole" the solstice, uncovering some history and the deep resonance between nature's rhythms and spiritual practices across time and cultures. Join me for thoughtful reflections to close this Advent journey. Sources

Bradshaw, Paul F., 'The Dating of Christmas: The Early Church', in Timothy Larsen (ed.), The Oxford Handbook of Christmas (2020; online edn, Oxford Academic, 8 Oct. 2020)

Flanders, Judith, Christmas: A Biography (New York: Thomas Dunne Books/St. Martin’s Press, 2017)

Gifford, Daniel, 'The Winter Solstice and Other Celebrations of the Season', in Timothy Larsen (ed.), The Oxford Handbook of Christmas (2020; online edn, Oxford Academic, 8 Oct. 2020),

Poem – The Moment of Magic by Victoria Safford - https://www.uua.org/worship/words/meditation/moment-of-magic

Music: "Better Day"by Penguin Music; "Decemder" by Oleksii_Kalyna; "At the Farthest Land" by HarumachiMusic ALL ON PIXABAY