History shows us the celebrations of light that defy the ‘pitch dark’ of winter

“Pitch dark” is a term used to indicate absence of light. But, in all nature it is very rare to find a total absence of light. So, usually this term refers to “intense darkness”. This time of year – December and January – we experience our “pitch dark”.

Doing early morning farm chores years ago — milking and feeding livestock, chickens and pigs — found us carrying kerosene lanterns. That feeble kerosene flame made an incredible difference banning the “pitch dark” of early morning winter. That small flame wavering inside the lantern’s glass globe seemed miraculous. Yet, those precious lanterns are no comparison to our convenient flip-of-the-switch lights of today.

Let us pause a moment to ponder the “pitch dark” of endless ages past. What kind of illuminating history did our ancestors have? If the flickering lanterns of my rural youth be compared to the rags soaked in animal fat and wrapped around a pole — the lighting standard for endless centuries—my lanterns appear an absolute marvel.

It does not take any of us long to see that groping in the “pitch dark” has been the human norm from the beginning of time. It is important for us to realize that 25 percent of the world’s people today continue in that groping. They live with no electricity, nor even the hope of such.

Wrestling with darkness has been a serious impediment to human mobility, health and productivity. The “pitch dark” of winter especially brings depression of mind and emotion. Statistics verify the elevation of mental illness as well as suicide during winter darkness. Interestingly, the subdued light and silence of the wee hours easily induce a drift into eternity. The brightness and abundance of modern lighting mitigate these correlations.

For centuries humankind has groaned in its efforts to transform and enliven the doldrums of winter’s “pitch darkness.” Here is a list of some ancient efforts to fight off and lighten-up the death and darkness of winter; countering solstice (December 21st), the first day of winter, the shortest day of the year and the longest night of the year. They all had something in common – burning fires all night.

▪ Saturnalia — ancient Roman’s biggest festival; Dong Zhi (“Winter arrives”) - ancient China;

▪Shab-e Yalda — Iranian;

▪Anti-Raymi - ancient Incas in Peru;

▪Shalako — ancient native Americans in New Mexico territory.

Then came the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, Christmas on Dec. 25th:

“In him (Jesus) was life, the light of humanity. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.” [John 1:4-5]

Our Christmas is the largest celebration in all history. It also is the longest in all history (already 2,000 years old), with some four billion believing in its divine origin. The feasting, partying, lights, and message of Christmas exceeds anything the world has ever seen.

May this joyful enlivenment of these Christmas Days happen for each of us; allowing His light to overcome the world by believing, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” [John 8:12] Therein may we all overcome world darkness – as well as winter’s “pitch dark”.

Merry Christmas!

John Burkhart is a retired Episcopal priest and psychology professor who lives in Corbin.