Light ‘er up

My neighbour, Rick, starts the light show prep in early  November. By the first of the next month the professional installers have finished, the boom truck is gone from the street, the giant boulevard trees are wrapped in cords, the six-foot-high toy soldiers with their built-in speakers installed and his Tesla’s charging space is roofed in glittering orbs. People crawl by in their cars, gawking. Pedestrians take selfies in front of the lit arches, pyramids and candy canes on the lawn. It probably looks pretty awesome from the International Space Station.

It’s no mistake two of the world’s great reigning religions, along with the primitive ones, have pivotal moments centred around the winter solstice. The shortest day of the year (that came on Wednesday) is followed by the gradual return of light, lengthening days and ultimately spring, when the other great spiritual belief has its blow-out.

In direct ways, most of the people in the word celebrate natural cycles. We certainly have more in common than what drives us apart. Families throw lights on their houses because, well, we all want the darkness to end.

This was a tough year. War in Europe. Economic uncertainty at home. The death of Her Majesty. Political fights. Health scares. Volatility. Many things look uncertain and transitory. The tone of society has been combative. Life seems like a race most people are losing. At least, that’s how they feel. Dark.

The message of this time of year is simple. There’s a higher order and a natural routine. The light has ebbed, and returned, forever. It will go on, forever. There is always a spring and always hope. Renewal and rebirth are central to human spirituality. We need that, because we tend to take ourselves far too seriously.

Every day I come to this site for a while, post some thoughts and read yours. It’s turned into a chronicle of our times. A daily version of immediate history. Fears and desires are on display. I’ve concluded after almost 15 years that most of us lack a core confidence. We believe these are uncharted times, that we face unique challenges, and everything will probably get screwed up.

You don’t need religion to have faith. If the future really looked dark, people would stop having kids, starting businesses or seeding for next year’s harvest. Nature doesn’t lie. The light always comes back.

I just wish Rick had less of it.

Merry Christmas. Happy Hanukkah. Hang in there.

About the picture: “Bijou is getting into the festive spirit, and wishing You a Merry Christmas!” writes Andre. “Life for her human, a lady named Gigi, has changed dramatically since they were united. It is a wonderful thing to observe. As for me Garth, I’m still “livin’ the Dream” and staying the course. Thanks for keeping me focused – it has paid off!”