Photo was taken yesterday morning at 8.40a.m at Altamount, Millstreet, Co.Cork (Irl)

Just before the rain clouds moved in, the skyline turned a beautiful orange colour and then faded within minutes. Despite the brevity of the moment, it was enough to mark the arrival of the winter solstice.

Thought on Sunday – December – 22/12/2013

The following reflection is by Triona Doherty

We’re almost there! The run-up to Christmas can sometimes feel like exactly that – a run, or even a marathon. No matter how much we try every year to pay attention to Advent and focus on the important things in our Christmas preparation, the last few days can pass in a bit of a blur. We want our Christmas dinner to be just right. We like to put a lot of thought and preparation into our gifts for loved ones. Many of us are on the move over these few days, perhaps visiting friends with cards and gifts and Christmas wishes, or preparing to return home to our families. There are parties, concerts and carol services.

This fourth Sunday of Advent is the perfect time for a time out.

Today we find ourselves at the heart of the Christmas story. ‘This how Jesus Christ came to be born,’ the Gospel tells us. In the midst of the festive frenzy, it can be easy to lose sight of how our Advent preparation is going. Why not take the time for some quiet prayer today? Spend a few moments in silence reflecting on today’s readings, get away from it all with a walk in the great outdoors, or take the younger members of the family to your local church to visit the crib. A pre-Christmas break can help focus your heart and mind. Perhaps it is a good time to remember the wise words of Max Ehrmann’s Desiderata: ‘Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.’