St. Lucy

In Scandanavian countries, December 13th is the cause of huge family celebrations, with special foods, drink, music, costumes and prayers. In the old Julian calendar, it was the shortest day, and the turning point for the return of light. Since the name, Lucy, comes from the Latin, lux, lucis, light, St. Lucy becomes the symbol of the movement from darkness to light. At one point in the festivities, a young girl dressed in a white gown cordoned with a scarlet sash and wearing a crown of greens supporting burning candles comes into a darkened room to shed new light and hope even before the celebration of the birth of Jesus, the true Light of the World. She carries coffee and "Lucy Cakes" on a tray for the guests, and later goes house to house, as a reminder of Lucy's charity to the poor.
The real St. Lucy lived in Syracuse, Italy in the 4th century and had taken a private vow of virginity as a young girl. Hence, when she refused to enter into a pre-arranged marriage, her suitor reported her to the authorities as a Christian, and she was martyred. However, the light of her faith continues to shine even to this day. The song, Santa Lucia, is still a popular favorite.

Winter's darkness increases until December 21st, the Winter Solstice, but as we celebrated the Third Sunday of Advent yesterday with the lighting of the pink candle, and in some churches, the wearing of rose colored vestments, we are anticipating the joy and light of Christmas. Would others know from our smiles and optimistic approach even to the dullest and coldest of days, that our faith is as bright and determined as St. Lucy's?
Bro. Rene