The Plunge Down Under

The Homestretch

It's the 22nd of December, and the house is filled with an intoxicating mix of aromas.  I wish that I could tell you that the source was from wonderful culinary things happening in the kitchen.  I can close my eyes and imagine what I would like those smells to be:  cinnamon rolls, homemade caramels and candy cane cookies mixed in with the irresistible scent of fresh evergreen boughs.  But no.  That will have to wait for next year.  Instead my nose identifies carpet glue, countertop cement, and fresh paint.  They are smells that are more likely to induce a headache than whet the appetite.

In the Bleak Midwinter: Longing for Light

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

It's Beginning to Look

 

 

Canadian Snow for American Thanksgiving

Throw in unlimited sunshine, time spent with far away family members, a snowball fight or two, a few Christmas presents, a visit to the Fredericton's famous Saturday market, a dozen trips to Tim Hortons--and it all adds up to a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend.  I hope you enjoy the photo journey!