Seán O'Néill, 32°
5018 Woodland Way, Annandale, Virginia 22003–4161
xyz345@aol.com

December is the twelfth month of our calendar. Its name comes from the Latin decem, meaning ten, and refers to December's original position as the final month in the early Roman 10-month calendar. The Romans celebrated a feast called the Saturnalia in late December. This holiday, consecrated to the god Saturn, was marked by an exchange of gifts, mistletoe, evergreens, and temporary liberty for slaves. The later Anglo-Saxons observed a great Yule feast, associated with Christmas but probably originating in an ancient pre-Christian festival.

The occurrence of the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, near December 22 in the Northern Hemisphere is very likely the reason many early peoples celebrated important festivals at this time. The lengthening of the day would have promoted optimism that warmer weather was returning with its promise of good crops. To Christians, the advent of the Savior is like the return of the sun to the ancients, a reassurance that the Creator continues to be involved directly in our universe.

The opening and closing of Masonic Lodges demonstrate this Presence—no work is accomplished, no Entered Apprentice initiated, no venture considered without invoking the blessing of the Grand Architect of the Universe, the single Face behind the thousand masks. He is within us, and there is no place without Him. Although at times we may feel alone, we cannot be separated from Him nor become unworthy of His love. Christmas reminds us that our darkest fears and worries are nothing more than bad dreams, from which we shall awaken in the secure arms of our loving Parent.

Seán O'Néill is a psychotherapist in private practice in Annandale, Virginia. He is a member of the Education Committee of the Scottish Rite Valley of Alexandria, Virginia, the District Educational Officer for Virginia Masonic District 1-A, Lodge Education Officer of Ft. Hunt Daytime Lodge No. 353, and Senior Warden of Skidmore Daylight Lodge No. 237. He is also a member of Knights Templar, Shrine, and Allied Masonic Degrees, a patron of the Eastern Star, and a senior advisor to the International Order of DeMolay.