Happy Monday! 

One of the things I most love about the holiday season is the lights. Sometimes I drive around to see the lights because it brings me joy. I remember my girls being so excited to wander the neighborhood and find the most charming displays. The happiness we shared brings a smile to my face even as I write.

Another aspect of the holiday season is both Hanukkah and Christmas have lights in common. Hanukkah, which means dedication, is a celebration of lights. Commemorating the recovery of Jerusalem, the festival began yesterday and will extend through the 26th this year. It’s a time to reaffirm the traditions and ideals of Judaism and includes lighting the Menorah each of the eight nights. Some of us celebrate the festival in honor of our roots in Judaism.

Christmas is a time we celebrate the birth of the Christ Child, also noted in Scripture as the Light of the World. There are references to the Star of Bethlehem that shone over the Nativity scene on the night of Jesus’ birth. We decorate with candles and lights to remind ourselves and to be light to others as we allow His light to shine through us in the darkness.

Ephesians 5:8-9 reminds us: “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth)” (NKJV)

Below is a tribute to both seasons and the beauty of the respective celebrations:

Photo by Marcus Wallis. No copyright infringement intended.

In both inspirations, we see the importance of light. Indeed, even a tiny stream of light dispels the darkness. Likewise, our intentional actions of love, selflessly given, also provide light and encouragement to those trying to find their way in the dark.

Several more verses in Scripture attest to the Light of the season. One of my favorites is Luke 2:8-14:

“Now there were shepherds in the same region, living out in the fields and guarding their flock at night.Suddenly an angel of Adonai stood before them, and the glory of Adonai shone all around them; and they were absolutely terrified.

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid! For behold, I proclaim Good News to you, which will be great joy to all the people. A Savior is born to you today in the city of David, who is Messiah the Lord. And the sign to you is this: You will find an infant wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a manger.” And suddenly a multitude of heavenly armies appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth shalom to men of good will.” (TLV)

We each have light within us to share in festivals and celebrations, to provide illumination in the dark times, to gravitate to the same when we need it, and to embrace others in love and acceptance. We’re not expected to be experts, but we all have the potential to be beacons of light in the darkness.

This is my prayer for you during the holiday season ~

Spirit of God, we are humbled before Your glorious light. 

We honor You as we lift You up in our festivals and celebrations. 

Lord, please cover those reading these words. 

Give them peace during tumultuous as well as in joyful times. 

Meet them, abundantly, in their needs and bless them in their desires. 

I pray You grant each with optimal health, financial relief, mended relationships, and overflowing love. 

Bless with wonderment their dreams and plans for the future and speak specifically into the process by providing direction, even if it’s one step at a time. 

Provide encouragement when they’re too weak to continue on their own and inspire them to seek You first in all their endeavors. 

May they be surrounded by family and friends who remind them how precious they are to You. 

And, Lord, for those who struggle, I pray a measure of Your peace that surpasses all understanding to give them rest and solace. 

Provide new opportunities to make positive memories, replacing past pain with hope for the future. 

May You be glorified and regarded with reverence and awe in all things. 

I pray these things in the precious and mighty name of Jesus. 

Amen, and amen!

May this season be merry and filled with the brightness of His marvelous light!

Be Well & Be Blessed!

Lucinda