Koselig

On our recent trip to Norway, Dee and I discovered a new cultural concept called “koselig.”  This word is similar to our word cozy or comfy, but it has an even deeper dimension – it is not easy to translate into English.

Koselig might be similar to Perry Como’s Christmas Song.  Do you remember the lyrics:  “Chestnuts roasting on the open hearth, Jack Frost nipping at your nose.  Yule tide carols being sung by a choir, and folks dressed up like Eskimos…tiny tots with their eyes all aglow, will find it hard to sleep tonight.”

This holiday favorite creates a warm, cozy feeling.  Or how about that Christmas number that goes like this, “The weather outside is frightful, but inside it’s so delightful…”   All of these verses come close to capturing the essence of koselig, but not quite. 

Norwegians call Koselig “inner summer.”  It is a mood, an attitude that keeps them happy and content through the long, dark days of winter.  In some parts of Norway, the sun only shows itself for a few hours during the winter season.  But Norwegians light candles, play music, drink a little wine, create a warm and cozy atmosphere where good friends can sing and laugh together. That’s koselig.

Recently I read a devotional by Herb Chilstrom, a former bishop of the ELCA.  He wrote about his trip with his wife Corinne to several of the Scandinavian countries during the season of Advent.  It was there that he experienced what the Norwegians call koselig, but on a deeper, spiritual level.

He writes: “I recall visiting a church in Denmark.  In the near pitch darkness of the early evening we stepped into a nave that was bathed in white.  Every wall, the pews, the altar – everything was painted in brilliant white.  I could feel my spirits rise just standing there.

The same was true in every city in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finland.  Candles glowed in nearly every window.  It was as though each residence was sending out a message.  “It may be dark outdoors, but in this home there is light and warmth.”

That sounds like koselig to me!  It’s an inner light that cannot be overcome by darkness.  It is a light, the light of Christ that shines out for all to see. 

Jesus spoke of his followers being “the light of the world” (Matt. 5:14).  This raises some good questions for us to ponder this Advent season:  Do others see me as a light in their world?  Do those who wander in doubt and confusion see me as a source of comfort, hope and stability?

As Herb Chilstrom writes in his devotional, “If we are to be light we must first realize that the illumination does not originate with us.  Rather, the light we have to share with others is reflected from the grace we have received from God.  God lights up our lives in order that we might light up the lives of others.”

That’s an Advent kind of koselig!  May the fires of God’s love and the warmth of Christ’s presence illuminate your soul and give you great contentment and peace in this Christmas season.

Blessings,

Pastor Bob