I read that the winter solstice in ancient times used to be the 25th of December.
It was symbolic that Jesus was born on the shortest day of the year, when light begins to overtake the dark and the earth begins to warm and hope begins to shine.
As soon as I started reading, I thought of the solstice. And how the redeeming quality of winter's death is that it comes with the optimism of longer days baked right in.
Loved this line: “Hope gives your soul opposable thumbs to have a better grip on life.”
Whole piece reminded me of Emerson:
“The health of the eye seems to demand a horizon. We are never tired, so long as we can see far enough. But if a man would be alone, let him look at the stars. The rays that come from those heavenly worlds, will separate between him and vulgar things.”
Adding to that, I once heard someone describe hope as being an evolutionary advantage of the spiritual metabolism (or something like that...maybe it occurred to me in a dream)
The possibility of possibility. So nicely said. Hopelessness is exactly the opposite, the feeling that possibility doesn’t exist.
I practice hope by remembering that there are an infinite number of possibilities that I haven’t even imagined. The best things that happened in my life were surprising, life changing events that I never could have planned or designed.
Fan Theories and Conspiracies. This reminds me of a Harry Potter fan theory that went viral a few years ago. It claimed, with abundant textual evidence, that Harry suffered psychosis and hallucinations, and that Hogwarts was an insane asylum that he mentally characterized as wizard school. The “connecting dots” logic of the theory reminds of me of many real world conspiracy theories today. Just as the fan theory undercuts the hopeful message of Harry Potter, many conspiracy theorists are plagued by hopelessness.
Thanks Will! Expect more HP references in the near future....I've been obsessed with the series (reading it for the first time) IT'S AMAZING and JK Rowling has always been explicit about the Christian references in the wizard universe. Every detail of her creation was crafted with great intention.
Loved this Sherry.
I read that the winter solstice in ancient times used to be the 25th of December.
It was symbolic that Jesus was born on the shortest day of the year, when light begins to overtake the dark and the earth begins to warm and hope begins to shine.
Wow that's beautiful I didn't know that! Thanks Tommy, and happy new year :)
As soon as I started reading, I thought of the solstice. And how the redeeming quality of winter's death is that it comes with the optimism of longer days baked right in.
Was tickled to see you mention that too.
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas Justin! And may your 2024 be filled with HOPE. Winter solstice is the beginning of "we're so back"
I often tell people, especially those in despair, that "human freedom coupled with an uncertain future leaves much room for hope."
Don't mind if I steal that saying from you :p Merry Christmas Tim - we should catch up soon!
Well said. Consistently reminding ourselves to be hopeful is indeed important, especially with what's happening around the world currently.
Merry Christmas and have a jolly New Year Raveen!
Thanks and same to you!
Loved this line: “Hope gives your soul opposable thumbs to have a better grip on life.”
Whole piece reminded me of Emerson:
“The health of the eye seems to demand a horizon. We are never tired, so long as we can see far enough. But if a man would be alone, let him look at the stars. The rays that come from those heavenly worlds, will separate between him and vulgar things.”
Emerson never misses
Adding to that, I once heard someone describe hope as being an evolutionary advantage of the spiritual metabolism (or something like that...maybe it occurred to me in a dream)
The possibility of possibility. So nicely said. Hopelessness is exactly the opposite, the feeling that possibility doesn’t exist.
I practice hope by remembering that there are an infinite number of possibilities that I haven’t even imagined. The best things that happened in my life were surprising, life changing events that I never could have planned or designed.
Merry (belated) Christmas Sean! Thanks for reading :)
I tell others to always have hope because without it you have nothing in a situation designed to make you feel hopeless.
Really great post!
Thanks Shemanto! Have a wonderful New Year
Fan Theories and Conspiracies. This reminds me of a Harry Potter fan theory that went viral a few years ago. It claimed, with abundant textual evidence, that Harry suffered psychosis and hallucinations, and that Hogwarts was an insane asylum that he mentally characterized as wizard school. The “connecting dots” logic of the theory reminds of me of many real world conspiracy theories today. Just as the fan theory undercuts the hopeful message of Harry Potter, many conspiracy theorists are plagued by hopelessness.
Loved this essay, as always!
Thanks Will! Expect more HP references in the near future....I've been obsessed with the series (reading it for the first time) IT'S AMAZING and JK Rowling has always been explicit about the Christian references in the wizard universe. Every detail of her creation was crafted with great intention.
Have a wonderful New Year!
Wow. So beautifully said.
No such thing as mere hope. Absolutely love it!
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Sherry! ❤️🙏🏽🙌🏾
Thank you for your constant support Ephraim - I always look forward to your comments :) Have a Happy New Year!
Of course my friend! Always rooting for you and your continual success! 🙌🏾🙏🏽🙌🏾
As Agnes M. Pahro said, "What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future."
That's poignant...especially "tenderness for the past". Christmas always brings a weird sad nostalgia
Thanks for reading David, I wish you a Happy New Year!