We grow accustomed to the dark

We grow accustomed to the Dark -

When Light is put away -

As when the Neighbour holds the Lamp

To witness her Goodbye -

A Moment - We uncertain step

For newness of the night -

Then—fit our Vision to the Dark -

And meet the Road - erect -

And so of larger – Darknesses -

Those Evenings of the Brain -

When not a Moon disclose a sign -

Or Star - come out – within -

The Bravest - grope a little -

And sometimes hit a Tree

But as they learn to see -

Emily Dickenson

At our recent HerBeauty retreat, we enjoyed a blazing campfire with lots of enthusiastic singing and storytelling. Walking over to the firepit, we were in awe of the clear, cloudless sky. Away from the Steading’s light, as our eyes adjusted to the darkness, we began to see the stars more clearly. The sky was ablaze with thousands of twinkling stars and the most beautiful full moon any of us had seen in a long time. It was a glorious display of the beauty of God’s creation, one to stop and savour.

As we enter Advent and winter’s darkness, we are invited to wait. In the midst of poverty, wait; in the midst of war, wait; in the midst of anxiety, wait; in the midst of uncertainty, wait. It is hard to wait at the best of times, but harder when the world around us or our personal lives feel as if they’re falling apart. But the promise of this time of waiting is that the Saviour of the world is coming soon; and the promise of this time of darkness, is that the light of Christ will shine. And so, we wait, but our waiting is not passive. As our eyes adjust to the darkness, we begin to see glimpses of this promise. In the twinkling of the stars, in the fullness of the moon, in the care of someone who understands, in the voice which cries out for justice, in the unconditional love of family and friends we catch glimpses of God’s peace, hope, love and joy. So, as you journey through Advent, may you remain alert for these sacred glimpses of a time when all things will be made new. And when Christmas comes, may you worship with joy!

Merry Christmas from all of us at the Bield!

Valerie