Volume 13, Issue 12 | December 2024

Warm wishes on Winter Solstice—may the spring come soon! :)

Yes, I am drafting my monthly newsletter earlier than usual, and on this first day of winter here in the Northern Hemisphere. I wanted to send heartfelt wishes for not only the Winter Solstice, but also in time for a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Joyous Kwanzaa!

I realize that in my earlier decades I didn’t view the Winter Solstice as sacred—it was just an astronomical event declaring the first day of winter. That meant cold, dreary days—brrr—in New York City. But as I’ve progressed on my conscious spiritual path, I’ve been exposed to and embraced its other aspects.

There is evidence the Winter Solstice was deemed an important moment of the annual cycle for some cultures as far back as the Neolithic (New Stone Age). Not only did this event guide farming activities in various cultures, but it was cause for celebration and following traditions and rituals. For now, like then, on this shortest day—when it feels like one could just descend completely into darkness—the Light returns with the birth of the Sun and it is a time of renewal.

On a personal level, it’s a perfect time to be still and spend time in the Silence, realizing the light within. It is the beginning of another new chapter in your life. This new light brings hope, anticipation, and fosters possibilities. It is actually not a time for action, but for deep rest from a tiring year and for nurturing. Especially for many of us in the United States, this has been a particularly exhausting and challenging year. We need to get rejuvenated and restored so as to move onward into another new year filled with possibilities, opportunities, and challenges.

I trust you will take time to celebrate, to rest, to be nourished in all ways so that regardless of what is going on in the outer world you feel peace and joy as you move into 2025.

Blessings,

"This Little Light of Mine" is an African-American song from the 1920s. It was often reported to be written for children in the 1920s by Harry Dixon Loes, but he never claimed credit for the original version of the song, and researchers at the Moody Bible Institute, where Loes worked, said they have found no evidence that he wrote it. It was later adapted by Zilphia Horton, amongst many other activists, in connection with the civil rights movement.

Odetta's performance of this song is from the 2007 Grammy-nominated "Gonna Let It Shine," a live album of gospel and spiritual songs supported by Seth Farber on piano and the Holmes Brothers for background vocals.

Spirituality

The Light of God Within Shines Brightly

No matter the amount of darkness that surrounds me, the illumination that comes from the light of God within me shines brightly.

This awareness blesses me and helps me maintain my perspective about the shifting state of the world and the changeless nature of God. Just as certain times of year are darker than others, certain times of life are dark while others are lighter. Yet the light of God is eternal and unchanging.

I place my attention on the light of God, which shines brightly within me.

—Excerpt from Daily Word, Saturday, December 21, 2024

Inspiration and Contemplation

Native American Winter Solstice Blessing

People—and Other Beings—Making a Difference

The Light Ranger

A modern take on Santa's sleigh, known as the “Light Ranger,” is roaming the streets of Bishop’s Stortford in Hertfordshire, England.

The Light Ranger goes around each night to bring cheer as well as raise money for a local charity, Grove Cottage.

Mark Sanders started the make-over four years ago with 4,000 lights. This year, there's 12,000.

Speaking to “Your Voice, Your BBC News,” Mark said: “It transforms people, it’s fantastic. They know it’s Christmas when they can see the car. I now go out with Father Christmas so he can deliver his presents. Everyone waves when we go past, not just children."

Greetings of the winter season:

• Happy Winter Solstice
• Merry Christmas
• Happy Hanukkah
• Joyous Kwanzaa

... and an abundance of all kinds of blessings in the new year!

Blessings,

Let Us Not Forget!

Joyce S. Kaye

928.301.7292

joyce@thecomputerspirit.com

You, Me, and Spirit

I was a devout atheist until 34 years ago when I "came to believe" in a Power greater than myself. Thanks to hearing the novel idea (well, at least it was to me!) that one could choose their own concept of God—and name too (Spirit, The Great Mystery, All That Is, etc.)—and the workings of synchronicity, I embarked on a new way of thinking, a new way of living, a new way of being in the world and with others. It impacted all aspects of my life and relationships.

Since that time of commencing my conscious spiritual journey, I have endeavored to remember The Presence in all that is, all whom I meet, and all that I do—including working with clients in my own business, academia, and the corporate world. I strive to be of service and to nurture the human spirit in all environments.