Today is St. Lucy’s (or Lucia’s) Day. It passes without much notice unless you’re of Swedish heritage in which case it’s a big deal. A girl chosen to portray Lucia dresses in a white gown with red sash and wears a crown of candles on her head. She leads a procession of girls each holding a candle. They sing a song to the Sicilian melody of Santa Lucia. In many households the eldest daughter dresses as Lucia and serves her parents saffron buns shaped somewhat as cats (Lussekatt).

The real St. Lucy was a Christian martyr who lived in the late third and early fourth century. According to legend she was condemned to death during the Diocletian persecution. Guards attempted to burn her to death, but the wood wouldn’t burn so she was killed with swords.

The name Lucia means “light.” In the calendar used in Scandinavia until the 18th century the shortest day of the year was December 13, hence her day became associated with light as indicated by the candles worn by the girl portraying her.

The season of Advent is symbolized by light as we prepare to celebrate the birth of the Light of the world. I think we Christians face a problem not because the world is full of darkness, but because we are dazzled by the artificial light our culture produces. As attractive as all the twinkling bulbs and sparkling decorations are, it is the True Light of Christ that matters. May our lives be like St. Lucy shining with our faith in the Lord.

Read Isaiah 9:2 and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally.

Wayne