Sunday, December 21, 2008
Sunday Reflection: Snow and Christmas
The connection many of us make between snow and Christmas for the most part is totally senseless. Christ was born in a place without snow. We live in a country where only a fraction of the population sees snow at Christmastime most years. Yet, there is this connection between Christmas and snow.
Today, with many others, I will be driving through snow-- probably even blowing, drifting snow. When I arrive in Michigan, there will be a white blanket all around. I really look forward to it, too-- for a reason that is spiritually whole and real, the time and place of Christ's birth aside.
Those of you who grew up with snow know what it does to human life-- it slows things down and makes them quiet. When there is snow, people can't drive fast, they can't run fast, they can't do much of anything fast. And it muffles sound; step outside, and there is a hush, even in the city.
A quiet, slowed-down place is perfect for Advent, a time for watchful waiting and reflection. If God calls to us in still, small moments, for some of us that may be when we walk on a clear winter night, slowly, hearing nothing but the soft crunch of the snow under our boots.
Today, with many others, I will be driving through snow-- probably even blowing, drifting snow. When I arrive in Michigan, there will be a white blanket all around. I really look forward to it, too-- for a reason that is spiritually whole and real, the time and place of Christ's birth aside.
Those of you who grew up with snow know what it does to human life-- it slows things down and makes them quiet. When there is snow, people can't drive fast, they can't run fast, they can't do much of anything fast. And it muffles sound; step outside, and there is a hush, even in the city.
A quiet, slowed-down place is perfect for Advent, a time for watchful waiting and reflection. If God calls to us in still, small moments, for some of us that may be when we walk on a clear winter night, slowly, hearing nothing but the soft crunch of the snow under our boots.
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When I lived in a house (not an apartment), I found that being snowed in was the best chance to get to know your neighbors, because everybody's outside shoveling snow and you finally get to talk to them. Shoveling snow brought about a real sense of community, even it 's just commiserating about having to shovel it.
# posted by 
: 9:11 PM
: 9:11 PM
Maybe there's no relation between this time of year and snow for your desert-dwelling religion, but my ancestors used to gather in log halls around burning fir logs, with the carcass of a slaughtered boar roasting over it, singing high praises to Woden and Tyr and recounting tales of battle and glory.
Also, we exchanged gifts and toasted wassail and sang traditional songs, decorated the non-flammable fir trees with garlands of fruits and nuts.
Also, we exchanged gifts and toasted wassail and sang traditional songs, decorated the non-flammable fir trees with garlands of fruits and nuts.
I think you forgot about the crunchy snow that does make sound. I'm talking about the snow that is actually covered by a thin layer of ice.
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