Light!

In this season of very short days, and very long nights, we — all of us — seek LIGHT! 

The brain needs light to function.  (This explains why I am tired these days at 8:30 pm; it has been dark for hours!)   So, it makes sense that during the darkest days of winter, we not only seek light, but celebrate it!

Hanukkah is the Festival of Lights.  Jews commemorate how during the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem, the menorah miraculously burned for eight days even with only enough sacred oil for one day’s lighting.  Jewish homes glow with candles that are lit – one each night of the Hanukkah. 

Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus – the Light of the World.  People of all faiths embrace the Christmas spirit with lighting Christmas trees and creating lighting displays that brighten the darkest nights. 

Kwanzaa, held December 26 through January 1, is based on African harvest festival traditions from West and Southeast Africa.  Seven candles in a kinara symbolize the seven principles of Kwanzaa.  

Each of these beautiful traditions brings families and friends together to share wonderful meals and to exchange gifts — and to bask in the glow of festive lights.  

And with this, the darkness of the Winter Solstice is tamed.  

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; for those living in a land of deep darkness, a light has shined upon them.    Isaiah 9:2