Mennonite Weekly Review

In Texas the sun is always bright, always warm and always present. At least that’s how I chose to remember my home state during my first Chicago winter.

“The Light” — Photo by Kim Ringstad

The dark depressed me. The snow’s persistence confounded me. I began to seek the wisdom of others: “Please, tell me how I can keep my feet dry.” By February, I could not see beyond the white and gray that surrounded and suffocated me like the layers of clothing I had to wear.

Many people listened to my complaints and cheerfully of-fered advice. Still, I couldn’t believe I was the only one concerned the snow might not be gone until March. That couldn’t be natural. Like a child being told her loose tooth would soon fall out, with more to follow, I nodded as my insides knotted. Then, spring came like a dollar bill underneath my pillow.

O, spring. I finally understood the sentiments of the poets. The sun returned, and in its light I discovered a love for the sound of melting snow and the sight of budding trees. I was comforted by the sound and sight — a proclamation of something new.

This was an actual spring. Had I known the end of winter would be so wonderful, I would not have regarded the season with such disdain.

I offer this story with some embarrassment, knowing my naiveté may amuse those more familiar with the phenomenon of changing seasons. I’m also unsettled in the retelling, as though I’m betraying the winter I am learning to love.

The memory, however, came to mind recently when I reread the narrative of Jesus’ birth in the second chapter of Luke.

As I read the story of the shepherds in the field, I imagined them in darkness, enduring another night of activity much like the night before. Suddenly, they are surprised and frightened by an angel standing in front of them. The dim light of the stars and moon is overwhelmed by the glory of God shining.

The shepherds’ fears subside through the comfort of the angel’s words. Then, a multitude of angels joins in and adds to the good news of Jesus’ birth: “Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth peace among those whom God favors.”

I immediately wondered, “Was that like spring?”