The first time I can recall singing to full lyrics of Christina Rossetti's 19th Century Christmas Carol "In the Bleak Midwinter" was on a day that was the antithesis of bleak. The shaded interior of our Melbourne church offered little respite from the scorching summer sun outdoors. "Why is it," I wondered, "that we rarely sing this haunting carol in places that match the description?"
It is probably because we would rather not remind ourselves of the barrenness that surrounds us in November and December. This year has been no exception, in Pittsburgh at least. The sun has only shown up a handful of times, allowing the gloom to overtake what are short days to begin with. The lack of light and warmth may be partly what drives us to string up colored lights and decorations outdoors as Christmas approaches. Light. We yearn for more light.
On Friday last week our electrician stopped by to finish the lighting in our kitchen. "You can easily change out the colored globes," he repeated to me several times, as he installed the mini pendants I had chosen. I had the distinct impression that he didn't approve of the bright red color. I, on the other hand, loved them. Just before he left, he handed me his business card. "Let There Be Light," I read. I couldn't agree more. How appropriate for an electrician.
Lights are what impressed me most on our trip to Niagara Falls this past weekend. I was prepared for the tacky, touristy (but light-filled!) attractions near the falls, which I planned to ignore as much as possible. I hadn't anticipated the beautiful lighting displays lining the street across from the Falls, however. We walked through them on two different occasions after dark, savoring their brightness and cheer as we approached the cascading water opposite.
Light. With each year that passes, my craving for light increases. With each day that passes, our world reveals its desperate need for light to shine in the darkness.
The people who walk in darkness will see a great light; those who live in a dark land, the light will shine on them. Isaiah 9:2.
Previous posts about Christmas and light:
Melbourne at the Magic Hour of Twilight
What a beautiful post, AND what a gorgeous kitchen! Just think of the dinner parties you can host now!
Posted by: janet | 12/10/2014 at 01:18 AM
Thank you so much. No more excuses now not to send out invitations for dinner :). You are welcome anytime!
Posted by: Christie | 12/10/2014 at 01:47 AM
I'm so excited to share a verse with you that struck me yesterday! I had to stop my study in Romans (here at home on the couch, trying to get it done for Wednesday) to write it down: "For the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true." Ephesians 5:9. we are light! because we have Jesus inside us, and we bear the fruit of light. Such an amazing thought, isn't it?
I am reading "At Home in Mitford" and it's quite refreshing. I read it once before and then never did continue reading the series of books so I look forward to doing so over the next few months. I am also still plugging away on Les Mis, what a wonderful book!
Hugs to you.
Posted by: Shanda | 12/10/2014 at 03:07 AM
Thanks Shanda. I hope you enjoy the Mitford series. I read the first one for a book club years ago, and then finished the entire series. They were "laugh out loud" books for me once I got to know the characters well.
Posted by: Christie | 12/10/2014 at 04:26 AM
Christie - Love the kitchen lights and how large and open the kitchen looks. You certainly snapped that shot at a good time when there was light to make it glow.
Posted by: Crystal Keller | 12/11/2014 at 11:15 AM
Just 10 more days and we'll start going back the other way!
Posted by: Honor | 12/11/2014 at 11:29 PM
Thanks Crystal! And hooray for that reminder that the daylight will soon be on the increase ...
Posted by: Christie | 12/12/2014 at 12:00 AM
Loved your new kitchen -- the red looks really good. Just home from the carol service at MPC -- alovely programme & the choir sang In the bleak midwinter among many others, Its my favourite carol as I remember it from when I lived in England as a child & went to the old church at Shaugh Prior built in 1200 !!! We do miss you all Christie. love Marilyn.
Posted by: Marilyn Gooey | 12/14/2014 at 10:54 PM
Hi Marilyn, We were just wondering about the carol service when we woke up this morning. Glad to hear it was a lovely programme---missing you all very much, particularly this weekend!
Posted by: Christie | 12/15/2014 at 01:26 AM
Just happened to pop over to catch up a bit. Wow, your kitchen is gorgeous! I'm looking at the fridge....or is that the freezer? We may have same taste. Anyways, so glad you are in the homestretch. Feels good, doesn't it? Hope you all had a lovely Christmas. Hope to see you soon. Hugs!
Posted by: Debbie | 01/06/2015 at 04:01 PM
Yes, it's the freezer. The matching fridge stands next to it (but you can't see it in this photo)---it may look a bit industrial, but I love the extra space for storing cold stuff!
Posted by: Christie | 01/06/2015 at 11:10 PM