Shared Stories of Light Across Seasons

Throughout history, myths and sacred narratives have woven themselves into the fabric of human understanding, carrying universal truths that transcend time, cultures, and geography. One such intriguing parallel exists between the story of Mithras, a god worshipped in the Roman Empire, and the Christmas story of the birth of the baby Jesus. While these stories reflect themes of light, renewal, and divine promise, they also invite us to consider how these messages resonate differently across the hemispheres.

Mithras, the god of light and truth in Mithraism, was said to have been born on December 25th—a date aligned with the Roman festival of Saturnalia and the winter solstice in the northern hemisphere. His birth, often depicted as emerging from a rock, symbolized divine creation and the eternal spark of life manifesting in the physical world. Shepherds witnessed this event, and Mithras was celebrated as a bringer of light and salvation.

Similarly, the Christmas story tells of Jesus’ miraculous birth in a humble stable, heralded by angels and visited by shepherds following the light of a guiding star. His arrival is celebrated as a moment of hope, rebirth, and divine love for humanity.

The overlapping imagery—a birth of divine light during the darkest time of the year—points to a shared archetypal longing for renewal. In the northern hemisphere, December is the season of winter solstice, where the return of the sun’s light signals the promise of growth and abundance to come. This cyclical rhythm mirrors the spiritual rebirth symbolized by both Mithras and Jesus.

But what about those of us in the southern hemisphere?

For us, December falls at the height of summer—a time of abundance, warmth, and growth. While we may not experience the literal darkness of winter, we are still attuned to the rhythms of life’s cycles. Summer reminds us of the fullness of life, the flowering of potential, and the ripeness of spiritual transformation. In this way, the stories of Mithras and Jesus take on a different hue, inviting us to celebrate the light we already carry within us rather than seeking light’s return.

Whether we are celebrating the return of light in the north or honoring its peak in the south, the deeper message remains the same: the light we seek is eternal, ever-renewing, and present within us. Both Mithras and Jesus embody the archetype of the light-bringer—the figure who illuminates paths of truth, transformation, and hope. These narratives transcend culture and hemisphere, reflecting a universal call to awaken, grow, and embody the Light in our lives.

As we gather this season—whether around fires to welcome the return of the sun or under bright skies to celebrate its fullness—let us remember that “the light” is not bound by time or place. It lives within us, connecting us to the rhythms of the earth and the timeless stories that guide our souls.

So whether you find yourself beneath snow-dusted skies or summer’s golden glow, may this season remind you of the power of renewal, the triumph of Light over darkness, and the eternal promise of love, hope and radiance.

Heart to Heart, Elizabeth