12-19-09 Pause ... and reflect on the Light of the Winter Solstice

Since ancient times, human beings have been drawn to celebrate the return of the Light and the hopeful anticipation of new beginnings.  December 21 marks the beginning of winter in the Northern Hemisphere.  The winter solstice offers a special gift for those of us who strive for peace and seek to reduce the inner and outer turmoil in our lives.

Solstice means "sun stands still."  If we pause and reflect on this stillness, we're reminded of the profound harmony of the sun's passage through the heavens, and that our lives depend on the perfect certainty of this rhythm.

After the winter solstice, the days begin to lengthen.  No one doubts this.  We have confidence in the sun's annual victory over darkness.  If we take this experience to heart, we find a renewed confidence in our own inner Light.  This confidence restores our strength to transform the darkness within and around us, and restores our hope in the possibility of peace.

This is a busy time of year for many of us.  We invite all of you who live in the Northern Hemisphere to pause with us on December 21, and reflect on the gift of the winter solstice.  Here's the exact time of the solstice in the US:

9:47 AM (PST), 10:47 AM (MST), 11:47 AM (CST), 12:47 PM (EST)

The members of the Rhythm of Peace community represent many of the world's spiritual traditions.  During this season, we celebrate our diversity and our shared commitment to peace.  We extend our heartfelt wishes that you experience a renewal of your inner Light and that it enlivens all of your holiday traditions...