This post is part of the President’s Interfaith and Community Service Campus Challenge.
Lights!
One of the things I enjoy at this time of year are the decorations adorning many homes, businesses and public spaces. Holiday lights shine everywhere, competing for our attention.
As in the secular world, many religious and cultural traditions are celebrating seasons where light plays a central role. Probably the most commonly celebrated “festivals of light” this time of the year are Advent, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa.
Many Christian churches are currently observing the season of Advent, a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the season of Christmas. Advent begins four Sundays before Dec. 25. The four Sundays of Advent are marked by the Advent wreath. Its four candles are lit successively each Sunday.
Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish celebration commemorating the re-dedication of the Temple in Jerusalem after the successful revolt of the Maccabees. Eight candles are lit, one additional each night of the festival, to recall the account of the menorah that miraculously burned for eight days during the temple re-dedication though there was only enough oil for one day. This year the festival runs from Dec. 8 to 16.
Kwanzaa is a week-long festival that honors the African heritage of African Americans and African Canadians. It is celebrated from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1. Seven candles are lit successively over the seven days. They represent the attributes of unity, self determination, responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith.
As the winter solstice draws near, it seems appropriate that our diverse secular and sacred traditions share the common theme of light. As the darkness grows, our lights grow brighter to dispel the darkness.
May our lights continue to keep the darkness at bay and illuminate our minds and hearts.
Peace and Blessing,
Cylon George, Campus Chaplain
Published: Wed, 05 Dec 2012 12:55:50 +0000 by c.george