Contemplative Christmas

Sunday, December 29

The Fourth Day

Reading:

“And there was evening and there was morning, the fourth day.” [1]

Reflection:

The number four is reflected in many aspects of creation: the four seasons (winter, spring, summer, fall) and four directions (north, east, west, south). There are also the four base elements of earth, water, fire and air. In Christianity, there are four gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) and four horsemen in Revelation of John. In Buddhism there are the Four Sights of the Buddha that inspired his quest for enlightenment and the Four Noble Truths.

In the Christmas song, the four calling birds represent the four gospels. That they are calling out signifies the spreading of the good news of God’s presence in our world.

Four is a number of stability, order, and symmetry, as demonstrated by the four sides of a square or rectangle. The shapes of squares and rectangles remind us of doors and windows, which allow us a measure of control over what enters and exits from our environment. They can let in physical light to brighten a dark room, or they can symbolically allow insight or enlightenment into our conscious awareness. In that context, the symbolism of the number four implies a sense of control over the intermingling of our inner and outer lives.

            On the fourth day of creation, God separated the light from the darkness, creating a light to rule the day (the sun) and lights to rule the night (the moon and stars). Among the gifts of the fourth day or Christmas are order and insight as well as a balance between the known and the unknown.

Closing Meditation:

Sit in silence and ponder the aspects of your life experience that seem to manifest in fours.

Journal the thoughts and feelings that arise.

This daily series, Contemplative Christmas, is replacing my weekly Life Notes until January 6, 2025, when my weekly blog will resume. The thoughts expressed here are mine. To engage with me: ghildenbrand@outlook.com

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[1] Genesis 1:19