Happy December! I love this beautiful month and season! We have our Christmas lights up, tree ornaments on, and house decorated.I sit in my meditation chair loving the lights from our Christmas tree shinning in the darkness. It is warm and sacred.

The idea of LIGHT warming our hearts and lighting our way is a golden thread though many faith traditions. “In the beginning God said, “Let there be LIGHT, which was the beginning of life. We often say, GOD is the LIGHT of the World! Hebrew scriptures say, ” Yahweh is my LIGHT and my salvation.” (Psalm 27). Christians say “God is LIGHT and in him is no darkness at all.” (1 John 1.5). Muslims say, “Allah is the LIGHT of the heavens and the earth.” (Sura 24.35).”                    (K.K. Yeo: Kenneth L. Vaux)

“Many religious holidays celebrate LIGHT as spiritual hope. Hanukkah celebrates the hope that the Jewish people derived from the ancient “Miracle of Lights.” where there was only enough oil for one candle and yet it lasted 7 days.                                        Christians decorate with LIGHTS to symbolize Jesus the Christ as the LIGHT of the world.                                                                                                                                During Islam Ramadan, the Fanoos is a lantern used to LIGHT up homes, mosques, and streets.                                                                                                                        Hindus celebrate Diwali, the Festival of LIGHTS.”                                                        (Interfaith exploration of Light representation in the celebration practice and interpretation of religion))

“LIGHT has been symbolic for purity, goodness, illumination, enlightenment, Divine Wisdom,, presence of the Divine, Awakening, of consciousness and embodiment of Truth. Hinduism: LIGHT represents enlightenment and self-realization. JYOTI or inner LIGHT refers to the divine spark within every individual. Buddhism: LIGHT symbolizes wisdom and awakening of consciousness. Cultivating mindfulness and meditation, individuals can illuminate their minds and gain insight into the nature of reality.”  Unlocking the Spiritual Meaning of Light)

What does LIGHT mean for us? Embracing the light within ourselves enables us to shine brightly in the world and make a positive impact on others. We take the time to be kind to others, be a beacon of joy, hope, love and compassion. We realize the LIGHT within us is GOD living LIFE through us and we see GOD as LIGHT within ALL people.

In the beginning GOD! That is our ancestral heritage, our ancient wisdom, our LIGHT, our ONENESS, our very ESSENCE.

Be a LIGHT Unto the World,                                                                                           Abigail and Steve