Winning the Winter Solstice Lottery

 

                                   

                                                                          Newgrange, Ireland 

A substantial crowd gathered at Newgrange in Ireland today to recognize the Winter Solstice. Newgrange is a 5,000+ year-old monument, perhaps a grave (bones were found here), older than Stonehenge and the pyramids of Egypt. There is a passageway that is aligned so that on this solstice of shortest daylight hours the wan sunlight will stream along it, providing that there is any "in the bleak midwinter." Unfortunately it was cloudy for most of the 17 minute window, as it often is, although there was a brief period of illumination.How did those who constructed this astronomical calendar figure it out so precisely millennia ago?  

Newgrange has become so popular amongst those desiring to get in touch with their inner Druid that tickets are sold for entry throughout the year. For this event most people  are gathered in the vicinity except for 16 who win the lottery to actually enter the chamber. 

While lots of Christians might be inclined to make the sign of the cross at this pagan recognition we don't need to feel this way. It's said that the success of the early Christians in Ireland, including Patrick, came from a "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em" reciprocity where the goodness of Creator and Creation was celebrated, establishing common ground. There are delightful legends for lots of the Celtic saints who lived as "Green martyrs" amidst the birds and creatures of the wild. The seasons and rhythms of the Earth were acknowledged and celebrated. 

It's unlikely that Jesus was born in late December but the early Roman Christians may well have celebrated his birth around the Saturnalia festival recognizing the beginning of longer dayss in order to avoid drawing attention to their Christ-mass. 

This morning we went for a walk along our Belleville waterfront to acknowledge the Winter Solstice. It was frosty -- -11C -- and a bit breezy but the sun was shining and ice was re-forming on the Bay of Quinte. It felt as though we had won the lottery and both of us were grateful for the world into which God the Creator entered in the person of Jesus, the Christ. Thank God for Creation with all its wonders. 

“In the infinity of night skies, in the free flashing of lightning, in whirling elemental winds you are God. 

 In the impenetrable mists of dark clouds, in the wild gusts of lashing rain, in the ageless rocks of the sea you are God and I bless you.  

You are in all things and contained by no thing.  You are the Life of all life and beyond every name.  You are God and in the eternal mystery I praise you.”

An Evening Prayer from Celtic Prayer John Philip Newell