Luminia Mundi

Today is the Winter Solstice on the old Julian Calendar.
For as long as I can remember, I have heard this day called Luminia Mundi, meaning I think "to light the world" or "the night that the world lights up". 
On this  night a candle was placed in a jar, or a light put in the window to light the Wise Men's way in the dark and cold.  also  it was the first night that the Christmas lights are alite. 
A night that Mother Mary is reverenced as she began her journey to Bethlehem still carrying the Christ Child, we were told. 
It is also one week to the Solstice, or Yule, the longest night of the year. After which the days begin to lengthen again, bringing the promise of a new spring.

A new season, a birth, a renewed life and a new light, as we count down the final long dark nights of this year.  And the candle is relit each night until Jan 5th, the night that The 3 Kings arrive at the manger in Bethlehem.