Light!

As we enter the time of year when numerous religious, spiritual, and cultural holiday celebrations occur, the annual discussion of "what do we call it?" has begun.  Do we say "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Hanukkah" or "Happy/Merry/Joyous 'fill in the blank'", or do we simply try to include everything and everyone with "Happy Holidays?"

Even within our respective traditions there is consternation over what to call certain days and when to observe them.  For example in my Christian tradition, is it OK to sing Christmas Carols during Advent?  Do we dare speak of magi and a star before Epiphany?

Last Sunday night on the First Sunday of Advent there was a community gathering in the parking lot behind our church when we drank Yuletide wassail, sang Christmas Carols, and lit a "Christmas Star" atop the church while singing, "We Three Kings."  I think you can safely say we blurred numerous holiday and liturgical boundaries.

photo by Byron Buck

Last week, on White House Elipse the National Menorah was lit, and last night on the other side of the Capitol Building the Capitol Christmas Tree was lit,  later this the National Christmas Tree will be added to the Elipse.  Similar celebrations and ceremonies are taking place all over the country and the world.

My observation is this:  something wonderful takes place this time of year as we light trees and candles, and buildings and fences, and boats, and shrubs.  That "something" is a recognition and hopefully celebration of Light in our lives.

Look up!  Look around!  Look within!

Call it what you will - A HappyMerryJoyous season of Light is dawning!