December 13 marks the day to remember St. Lucy. She lived in Syracuse in Sicily and died at a young age during the persecutions against the Christians under the reign of Emperor Diocletian in the years following 303. The name Lucy comes from the Latin word lux, “light.”
Artist’s depictions show Lucy dressed in a white baptismal gown wearing a wreath of candles on her head. In Scandinavian countries, St. Lucy is celebrated during cold, dark days of winter with roaring fires and the lighting of Lucy candles. In many homes the oldest daughter would rise early to serve the family coffee and sweet rolls.
The fourth stanza of LSB 515 “Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers” will provide an ending hope.
Our hope and expectation, O Jesus, now appear; Arise, O Sun so longed for, o’er this benighted sphere. With hearts and hands uplifted, we plead, O Lord, to see the day of earth’s redemption that sets Your people free!