A Jewish friend of mine recently posted about Hannukah and the importance the holiday has, regarding light. There are nine candles to light, one for each night of the celebration. the ninth candle is the helper candle, used to light the other ones.
This past Saturday was the Winter Solstice the shortest daylight time of the year. A time when darkness reigns and has its peak. Many people fear the dark.
In contrast to darkness, light symbolizes many things for different people. In the Christian faith we are reminded to shine our light of faith in Jesus so that the world may see and have the opportunity to choose to walk in Christ’s light- his gift of salvation to all who believe in him. We are told not to hide our light under a bushel but to let it shine so that others may see our good deeds, our faith and glorify our Father in heaven. (Matt. 5:14-16)
At church one of the most memorable things we do toward the end of our service is to receive light from one person (it reminds me of the Jewish helper candle) and pass the light on to others standing next to us. The electric lights go out and we are suffused with candlelight spread all around the church. This passing of candlelight is a symbolic reminder that each of us should shine our light, our faith, so that others may see it and receive it as well.
My prayer this holiday season is that we would all do just that- not hide our light but live as light to others around us. May we each shine bright with the light of our faith this holiday season and every day throughout the year. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Janet Pierce's Writing Cafe 