This time of year, we are surrounded by darkness in the form of the season, in the pandemic and in the isolation many of us are feeling. The shortest passage of time between sunrise and sunset can feel like the longest passage of time with your inner darkness. This manifests itself in the need for light, for a festival of light and regardless of culture, religion, or belief systems we are met with celebrations of light.  

Starting with the full moon in October with Thandingyut, the three-day festival of lights symbolizes the return of the Buddha from Heaven while angels are lighting the path of his decent from Heaven. Hindus, Jain, and Sikh symbol the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance with Diwali. Judaism commemorates the revolt of the Maccabees in the temple and miraculous victory with the lighting of the menorah. Kwanzaa was first celebrated in 1966 honoring African American culture and a key custom is the lighting of the kinara. The Yule season focuses on rebirth and renewal as the sun makes its way back to the Earth. For me it finally feels like Christmas when I am standing in the sanctuary holding a taper candle and singing Silent Night on Christmas Eve. No matter where I was in life it was a chance to step aside and take a moment to receive the light and receive peace. It was also a moment to pass that peace to the person on my other side, to an aunt or uncle that always gave me the holiday magic. There is something so peaceful and magical about singing an acapella carol by candlelight and feeling the simple joy surround me. Christmas traditions have many examples of light, a fire in the fireplace, strings hung on a tree or displayed on the house. Yesterday, Winter Solstice took place and marked the shortest day and the maximum tilt away from the Sun for us in the Northern Hemisphere, we are now moving back toward time of light. I think all of us have an innate desire to feel the ambience, comfort, and joy of a festival of lights.  

I wish you a moment to think about what any of these festivals of light or other customs or traditions involving light can mean to you. I wish you peace and that you can find light in any darkness you are facing.  

Sincerely,  

Ms. Kristin McLeod