Yesterday was Solstice, some call it Yule. Last night I lit the last candle on our menorah in the dining room as my wife recited a prayer in Hebrew. A decorated tree waits in the living room, glowing softly as it waits a few days until Christmas, which is followed every year by Kwanza – another celebration marked with candles.
Before we lit the candles on the menorah, we turned off the lights in the room. For a moment we acknowledged the darkness, before vanquishing it with the first of nine candles. That darkness made the candle’s light better, brighter, more important. The darkness will always be – whether seasonal, or situational. Darkness is part of this universe, and part of every life.
As we hold hope and look to brighter days, let us not forget to acknowlwedge the darkness. Our darkness may include challenges, hardship, and loss. Denying the darness serves no one, changes nothing. Acknowledging the darkness may make the light brighter, more meaningful, and more hopeful. May we express gratitude for a few more moments of daylight in each passing day. That is certainly my hope for you and yours – especially at this time of year.
Seek the light. Share our light. Be the light!
