Light in the Darkness

Between December 10th and January 1st, three holidays birthed from the trauma of a people are celebrated. Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa have light at the core of their festivities.

About 162 BCE, Israel was ruled by a neighboring empire which planned complete control of the small nation, even of its religious life. The Temple, the most sacred place of Israel, was filled with idols by the conquering nation and on the altar in the Holy of Holies section of the Temple, a golden idol stood. The priests of the Maccabee tribe led Israel in rebellion. Over a few years of fierce battle, Israel won independence again. The cherished Temple of God was rededicated, and the primary holy lamp of the Temple held only a single day’s supply of oil during the consecration of the Temple. However, the meager amount of oil burned for eight days in celebration of the rededication of the sacred Temple. The Lord had given victory to the Israelites against enormous odds. Today, the Hanukkah menorah has eight candles, and the ninth one in the middle honors God.

In a field just outside of Bethlehem, shepherds were having a quiet night away from the hustle of the crowded city due to the census. In the blink of an eye, laser-bright light canceled the darkness and a radiant being stood before them. Terrified sheepherders huddled together. The celestial being instructed them not to be afraid because there is good news of great joy. In Bethlehem, a Savior, Christ the Lord, had been born. Apparently, like all of Israel, the shepherds had lived in expectation of the coming of a Savior for God’s people. The angel said the baby could be found in a cave where animals were housed and would be wrapped in strips of cloth. Then the whole sky was ablaze with light as a heavenly choir appeared and sang in praise of the birth. As quickly as the glory had appeared, it evaporated, and the shepherds ran to see the miraculous long-awaited Savior who would bring peace and goodwill to all humankind. The invitation to see him was made in the glory of the light of a heavenly host! During Christmas, light bathes churches, streets, trees, homes, stores and office buildings on December 25th of each year.

Kwanzaa (Friday, December 26, 2020 – Saturday, January 1, 2020) is an African American Cultural celebration grounded in African culture and focuses on seven Swahili principles which are important to strengthening and inspiring the African American community. It was conceived by Dr. Maulana Karenga during the turbulence of the Civil Rights struggle in the 1960’s. One candle is lit on the Kinara (candle holder) each of the seven nights and one of these seven principles is discussed: Unity, Self-determination, Collective Work and Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity, and Faith. These values are based in African culture. The lit candles and the words of the principles are lights to guide a people on paths of strength, productivity, creativity, pride, and achievement.

In the coming days of celebration, in secular and sacred settings, may we take moments to be still, and see a light to guide us to the path that we are to take.