The Feast of St. Lucy
“The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.”
John 1:9
During the season of Advent, we hear lessons each Sunday that include imagery of light and darkness. Advent is a time to focus on the light that is Christ and on how we experience that light in the world. December 13 is the day that celebrates St. Lucy, also known as St. Lucia. St. Lucy was martyred in the early 300s in Sicily. “Most of the details of Lucy’s life are obscure. In the tradition, she is remembered for her purity of life and her gentleness of spirit. Because her name means ‘light,’ she is sometimes thought of as the patron saint of those who suffer from diseases of the eyes.”[1]
In Sweden, St. Lucia Day is celebrated as a festival of light. Traditionally, a young girl dressed in pure white wears a crown of lighted candles on her head and serves special treats to her family. Some churches in Sweden and other parts of Scandinavia include special services to commemorate St. Lucia. Young girls dressed in white carry candles and follow the one wearing a crown of candles while singing as they process through the church.
As the light moves through the church, the people are reminded of the light of Christ coming into the world, enlightening all.
Although the nights are not as long in the Houston area as they are in the northern countries of Scandinavia this time of year, we still experience longer hours of darkness. As we move through this time during Advent, we light more candles in anticipation of the coming of Christ. We foresee not only the celebration of the birth of the baby Jesus, but we anticipate the second coming of Jesus. He told us that He will return and, during this time of Advent, we work to prepare our hearts and minds in anticipation of the coming light of Christ.
Collect for St. Lucy
Loving God, for the salvation of all you gave Jesus Christ as light to a world in darkness: Illumine us, with your daughter Lucy, with the light of Christ, that by the merits of his passion we may be led to eternal life; through the same Jesus Christ, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
“Lesser Feasts and Fasts 2018,” page 547.
[1] (Lesser Feasts and Fasts 2018, p. 546)
