December is here, accompanied by some very special holidays that represent Light. It is our opportunity to be a vessel for the Light to come into the world.
The first to come of these special Holidays is Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights. Hanukkah represents re-igniting the light(s)...rededicating ourselves. It is also a festive time to give the young ones gifts, eat rich foods and generally a time of celebration.
Then there is Christmas, the day that is dedicated to celebrating the birth of The Christ, The Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus was known as "The Light of The World" and the "Prince of Peace." This is one of two of the holiest days for those who acknowledge Jesus of Nazareth as the Son of God.
The coming of the Messiah was foretold in the Old Testament by many prophets, Isaiah 7:14 and 9:6), Zechariah 9:9, Micah 5:2 and many more. In the Old Testament, the prophets foretold it would take place at a certain time and place by using the stars. Not only did the prophets in the Old Testament tell when the Messiah would be born, but also spoke of when he would die and of His crucifixion (Psalms 2:16-18, Zechariah 12:10, and more).
So this is a special time of the year that reminds us to be the vessel in which the Light, the God of our understating, can shine through. A time of year to re-dedicate ourselves one day at a time to be the Light that we want to be on earth.
To bring joy, compassion, and peace back into our lives, our families, our communities, and so on.
I know at one time I was turned off by the commercialism of the holidays. But those feelings did not bring me peace, compassion or joy. The feelings I was experiencing took those special attributes away from me. I allowed others to take my Light, my Peace, my Joy and Compassion.
Recently I had to make many trips to the Apple store in the mall. I won't go into my computer problems, we all experience them, but one of the days I was there was at a very busy time the year (the day after Black Friday). Because I had shifted my perspective, when I looked around at the busyness of all the people and shops, I began to smile. As I passed each person, I looked them in the eyes and smiled, and just for that one moment, I felt and saw their Light. And all of them that made the eye contact returned my smile.
Remembering the essence of the holidays, what they mean to us, and to share that with others...each moment...each day is our part.
Holidays are many things. They also are reminders and messages from those who have gone before us, sharing their Light, Joy, Compassion and Peace.
So, this holiday season is another reminder for us to be the Light we want to see shine in this world.
Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas!
Peace,
Michael