“The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned” (Matthew 4:16).The Festival of Santa Lucia is a Scandinavian winter tradition, kept by my family of origin, that honors Saint Lucy. Santa Lucia is actually a saint of Sicilian origin. It is believed by many that the Santa Lucia Festival, celebrated on the 13th of December, is relatable to early Viking celebrations of the Winter Solstice on December 21. Since Santa Lucia is associated with light, and with spiritual sight, the Festival brings light into the darkness of the winter months. Traditionally a young girl wears a halo of candles and brings sweet breads to her family in the predawn morning of December 13 to announce the beginning of the Christmas season.
Saint Lucy, or Santa Lucia was a young girl who lived in about 300 CE. At a young age, her Christianity made her the target of anti-Christian sentiment. She was blinded and executed. Lucy is now associated with both light in the darkness and sight. The festival of Santa Lucia celebrates the light brought to one of the darkest days of the year, just as Lucy’s faith shown in a dark period for early Christians. (http://www.wisegeek.com/)
Holy God, as the darkness of long winter nights descends on us we pray for the light of your presence in our lives and in our world. Keep us from maudlin thoughts, stewing in our own juices and projecting a sour attitude on those around us. Help us to see the promise of new birth symbolized by the light of small candles.
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