Fire in Winter

Winter has got us firmly in its grip, even as we are technically half-way through the season on February 2^nd. That day celebrates an old festival with many manifestations—Imbolc, Candlemas, Groundhog's Day, and now Superbowl Sunday. (Even though Superbowl seems like the farthest thing from a religious observance—or maybe not.) The Celts celebrated Brigid on this day, the Goddess of smith-craft, poetry, and healing. I always liked that combination—the forging of metal, the forging of words, the forging of whatever fiery powers create healing in people. I like what Cherrie Moraga says at the end of her poem, The Welder,

I am the welder.

I understand the capacity of heat

to change the shape of things.

I am suited to work

within the realm of sparks

out of control.

I am the welder.

I am taking the power

into my own hands.

Perhaps our A2U2 triple forge would include fiery speaking out for justice, warmth in the healing care we give to each other, and the flaming chalice of communal worship each week. Fire helps us get through the winter, and also through the winters of our souls, when hard times come into our lives. May you stay warm, and may your passion for life be rekindled by the light and fire in others.

We recently learned of the death of Pete Seeger, that fiery prophet for justice through the medium of song. He was an amazing light in our world, and (you might not know) he was a member of the UU Community Church in New York. He used music to bring people together, to connect us with the earth, to work for civil rights, worker rights, and peace, and to plant seeds of hope. His passing also reminds me of the passing of Nelson Mandela—both of them living long lives, both of them giants in our times.

I feel inspired and warmed by their light. They remind me that all of us have something to give the world, something to give to the times we live in. That is another side of the February festival—to claim our own gifts and use them to serve our world. May you find inspiration during these cold days, and may your light shine!

                                                                                    Love, Rev. Myke