On a dark moor 5,000 years past, did a circle of stones bring an ancient people closer to the universe’s mysteries? In the Temple of Jerusalem 2,200 years ago, did oil burn miraculously for seven days longer than expected? A couple of millennia ago, did a scared woman traveling to Bethlehem really hold the Son of God in her womb?

Holy Theology, these mysteries baffle the Betster. Although your humble entertainment guru comes from a long line of preachers and poets, the religion gene seems to have skipped a generation. For better spiritual guidance, check out any of the 25 or so religious establishments around about here.

On matters of faith, the Betster yields to those closer to gods, God, Jesus, Allah, Buddha et alia. In observing spiritual people, however, the B. has noticed that in their faiths they have found comfort. Maybe it’s the comfort of family or friends gathering together in song. Maybe it’s the comfort of dancers around a fire facing the darkness beyond. Maybe it’s the comfort of people who light fires, lamps and candles against the night — even if the warmth burns only in their hearts.

Now comes the month of darkness, when pagans, Jews and Christians alike celebrate their own rituals of light. We Northerners miss the sun, miss the warmth. What can you do? Pray, dance, sing, be happy. Light a candle or four or eight. December is a time of mystery and magic — time to embrace the sun to come. And what better way than with some of these Best Bets?

BEST CATS CALL ‘EM TOYS BET: You can never have too many Christmas tree ornaments. Replenish your collection from 2-3 p.m. today at Latitude 59 when artist Jean Steele runs a workshop. Call 235-7911 to sign up.

BEST BEYOND THE VEIL BET: The Advanced Composition and Research class at Kachemak Bay Campus has been working hard all semester. You can see what they’ve been up to tonight at 6:30 p.m. at the east campus when they present “Women and Islam: Ancient Traditions in Modern Iran,” a multi-media presentation profiling three young Iranian women living under Islamic law in modern-day Iran.

BEST MUSIC ALL AROUND: Homer’s full of music this weekend. Look in the Calendar for all the options. Support some up-coming local talent when the Homer Youth String Orchestra performs 3-4 p.m. Wednesday at the Alaska Islands and Ocean Visitor Center

At 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Friday, Harbor School of Music students play violin, piano and guitar at the Mariner Theatre. Both events are free.

BEST HAPPY FEET BET: With music comes dance. If you’re jazzed by those dancin’ penguins in “Happy Feet,” playing this week at the Homer Theatre, get those flippers flapping with a tango dance clinic at 8 p.m. Friday at The Studio. Admission is $8.

Or, you can swing your partner, dosey-do, etc., with the monthly square and contra dance, starting at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at West Homer Elementary School. Admission is $6, with kids under 16 free.

BEST BIRD BY BIRD BET: If you’re the sort of person who travels 4,000 miles to see a rare hummingbird, braving the cold all day to count birds is nothing. Join the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count from 8:30 a.m. to darkness Saturday. Meet at the Alaska Islands and Ocean Visitor Center and then join a group to go birding in selected areas.

BEST SKATING ON THIN ICE BET: Skaters will have good ice at the Homer Ice Arena, but for families facing life challenges, the holiday season can be a challenge. Help out your neighbors with the Share the Spirit community open skate from 6-8 p.m. Saturday at the ice arena. Bring two canned food items for half-price admission or skate rental.

BEST CHRISTMAS AT LOW TIDE BET: Every low tide is Christmas if you know to look for those red-and-green Christmas anemone or sea urchins. Learn about Christmas invertebrates in a Kachemak Bay Research Reserve Discovery Lab from 3-6 p.m. Wednesday at the Alaska Islands and Ocean Visitor Center.

BEST SCHUSS WHOOSH BET: Last weekend’s snow put down a good base on local ski trails and slopes. Support your local downhill skiers with the Kachemak Ski Club’s fund-raiser for the rope tow at 7 p.m. Saturday at Stas restaurant on East End Road. Casualties To the Cause plays. A little unsteady on skis? Extreme tubing is noon-2 p.m. and 2:30-4:30 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday at Ohlson Mountain.