The turning of the year

In the church year we are at the end. This Sunday marks the end of the year in our lectionary cycle of readings, finishing things off with the celebration of Christ the King. Soon we will begin the new year, starting over with Advent as we prepare for the holy child and Christ's coming again. It is a cyclical process, ending and beginning, not exactly chronological in the gospel stories we read and yet somehow right. The makers of the early calendar knew that the stories of our faith echo the basic rhythms of the seasons, the waning of light and growing things in the fall and the turning of the year at the winter solstice. It makes sense in our bodies to follow the pattern. 

Or at least it does in Europe, where the church was established. Our fellow Christians in Australia follow the church calendar in total contrast to the seasons around them. And in California's climate, the rains mean the beginning of botanical spring - not the dying of winter. Already things are greener after a few days of rain here. And of course the seasons of our lives don't always follow the seasons around us either. The songs and sentiment of the holidays may not match our spirits when we are alone or struggling this time of year. 

Yet new life and new hope come anyway. The peace of God doesn't depend on the right set of feelings and circumstances. The good news of great joy springs upon us in all kinds of moments. We're never left alone in our troubles. So come, ye thankful people, come, for God is with us!