Solstice Gift

In the fourth century, Christians envied the feasting of pagans in honor of the sun's birthday at the winter solstice. Christians created their own feast in honor of Jesus, whom they called the "true sun." This was the birthday of Christmas.

Whatever the meaning of Christmas for you, I hope this poem by John O'Donohue infuses you with hope appropriate to this solstice time of new beginnings. The poem fills me with courage to face new possibilities. John O'Donohue was an Irish poet and priest.

     In out-of-the way places of the heart,
     Where your thoughts never think to wander,
     This beginning has been quietly forming,
     Waiting until you were ready to emerge. 

     For a long time it has watched your desire,
     Feeling the emptiness growing inside you,
     Noticing how you willed yourself on,
     Still unable to leave what you had outgrown. 

     It watched you play with the seduction of safety
     And the gray promises that sameness whispered,
     Heard the waves of turmoil rise and relent,
     Wondered would you always live like this. 

     Then the delight, when your courage kindled,
     And out you stepped onto new ground,
     Your eyes young again with energy and dream,
     A path of plenitude opening before you. 

     Though your destination is not yet clear,
     You can trust the promise of this opening;
     Unfurl yourself into the grace of beginning
     That is at one with your heart's desire. 

     Awaken your spirit to adventure;
     Hold nothing back; learn to find ease in risk;
     Soon you will be home in a new rhythm,
     For your soul senses the world that awaits you.

This is my Christmas present to you, dear readers.