What we call the beginning is often the end
And to make an end is to make a beginning.
The end is where we start from. (Little Gidding – TS Eliot)
As we reflect on endings, we are often reminded of the beginning of something new and life giving. What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, someone else calls a butterfly! December takes us on a journey through the last month of the year, with its shorter days winter light, chilly nights, overcoats, hats and scarfs, all associated with the northern hemisphere. The winter solstice, the astronomical day when the earth is furthest away from the sun falls on 21st reminding us that in ancient times people celebrated the rebirth of the sun event through Yule. December hosts some of the most joyous occasions and events that sees people of all faiths and cultures participate in feasts, prayers and celebrations with friends and family. In a diversity of ways December is an affirmation month where we connect with and hear from old and new friends.
Advent, a season of waiting and hope creates an opportunity to begin a new life with Christ. The struggle however, as we experience the dark clouds hanging over our world, is to find ways to help and ensure the dignity of every person and build a more sustainable world for all. In our weary and exhausted world of today as we prepare to celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace, it is difficult not to be aware of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, Ukraine, Myanmar, Sudan and many other places, with the humanitarian crisis showing no signs of stopping. Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and dangerous across the world due to worsening climate crisis. The struggles to agree to a solution at COP 29 are both empowering and challenging. It is discouraging to see how some discussions are influenced by fossil fuel interests of the Global North which can overshadow the needs of the most vulnerable in the Global South. Yet, the desire for change and a real and lasting peace between us as a human family remains a constant goal for most hearts. This Advent offers us another opportunity on ways we can become peacemakers, on ways we can save our planet.
Christmas offers the world, of all faiths and none, in all its diversity, the opportunity to stop, to renew family relationships and to exercise the best of our common humanity. It challenges nations and institutions by its message of peace and good will for all, knowing that God is the remedy to the struggles on our human journey.
“Quiet me within, clothe my body in peacefulness, that your Word
Once again may take flesh – this time, within me – as once it did in
Holy Mary; long Advent days ago.” (Edward Hayes Prayers for a Plenary Pilgrim.)
Sr Elizabeth Hartigan, RNDM