Promises

'Tis the season of promises.

   The Winter Solstice marks the end of one season and the beginning of another. The sun seems to stand still for a day, as it decides whether to return to the northern latitudes after retreating southward for several months.
   The ancients saw this as a renewal, a promise of the return to better things, both weatherwise and otherwise.
   Likewise, more recent spiritual traditions adopted the observances made this time of year and wove them into their belief systems
   It's no coincidence that four major festivals are observed at this time of the year. There is, of course, the Winter Solstice, marked by Druids who saw the shortest day overcoming the longest night, showing a promise of better things to come.
   Christianity chose to mark the birth of the Savior around this same time, originally the same day as the Solstice until the Gregorian calendar moved Christmas Day to December 25. Scholars have also noted that the likelihood of the birth taking place in late December was slim, since the idea of traveling in midwinter was quite difficult. Moreover, the tradition of displaying newborn sheep is also contrary to reality, since sheep typically give birth in the spring, not in December.
   As for shepherds abiding in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night in midwinter ...
   This year, the Jewish tradition of Chanukah is observed on the same day as Christmas. And Kwanzaa, the revival of an ancient African holiday, begins on December 26.
   In addition, spiritual traditions around the world that have close ties to the seasons and changes in nature also watch for change and improvement, not only in the weather, but for health and welfare as well.
   
   All this comes to mind as America nears Inauguration Day. In another month, a new President will take office, and the world will soon know whether the campaign promises of the past six months will be kept.
   Some agree with these promises, and look forward to them being kept.
   Others fear the consequences of some of these same promises, and will hope and pray for change. We live in interesting times.