Candles Light Our Celebrations 

 

In times of deep darkness, we not only need light,
we need to be light for one another.
Parker J. Palmer

 

At this time of uncertainty for many people, we want to focus on things that sustain us and bring us peace and joy. Many of us are uplifted by our spiritual traditions.

We want to acknowledge three celebrations happening at this time - Chanukah, Christmas and Kwanzaa. Candles are central to all three, so we are focusing on the gift of light that they bring to our lives.

 

Chanukah - the Jewish Festival of Lights

We appreciate our friend Maxine Lyons for sharing with us the following summary of the history and spirit of Chanukah from Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, who was the Chief rabbi of the U.K. for 22 years:

“Chanukah, from the word chanuch, means re-dedication. The Maccabees, the Jewish guerilla fighters of courage and resilience rallied against the Greek-Syrian oppressors who tried to destroy the second temple in Jerusalem. They rededicated the temple after it was defiled and lit the remaining one flask of pure oil that lasted for 8 days.

Yet over time, Chanukah became connected to the word chinuch, the Hebrew word meaning education. What we re-dedicated was not a physical building, the Temple – but living embodiments of Judaism, namely our children and grandchildren. From being the festival of a military victory, Chanukah became the festival of deep spirituality. I believe this history has a message for people everywhere.

 It teaches us this fundamental truth- to defend a country physically, you need an army, but to defend a civilization, you need education and teachers with values. Those are the elements that kept the Jewish spirit alive and that is symbolized in the eight candled menorah standing for Jewish strength burning throughout the centuries in an everlasting light.”

During Chanukah, nine candles are placed on a candelabrum known as a menorah (or hanukiyah). One is lit each night to represent the flame that burned for eight days, commemorating the miracle of the oil and the miracle of the victory of a few over their oppressors.

The holiday is celebrated by giving gifts, playing the game of dreidel and eating special holiday foods such as latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly donuts). It is a joyous time of celebration as well as a time of reflection.

 

Kwanzaa – Celebration of African Heritage

Kwanzaa (/ˈkwɑːn.zə/) is an annual celebration of African-American culture from December 26 to January 1, culminating in a communal feast called Karamu, usually on the sixth day. It was created by activist Maulana Karenga, based on African harvest festival traditions from various parts of West and Southeast Africa. Kwanzaa was first celebrated in 1966.

Kwanzaa is celebrated by African Americans and can be seen observed throughout the United States. A candelabrum known as a Kinara is filled with candles and used to observe this winter holiday that begins December 26th and lasts until January 1st.

The Kinara can hold seven candles that are specifically placed. Three red ones occupy the left of the Kinara and three green on the right with one black in the center. Like the Jewish tradition of Hannukah, one candle is lit per night.

Each candle represents one of the principles of the holiday. The candles remind those who celebrate of their heritage and past.

Kwanzaa celebrates what its founder called the seven principles of Kwanzaa, or Nguzo Saba (the seven principles of African Heritage). They were developed in 1965. These seven principles are all Swahili words, and together comprise the Kawaida or "common" philosophy, a synthesis of nationalist, pan-Africanist, and socialist values.

Each of the seven days of Kwanzaa is dedicated to one of the principles, as follows:

1. Umoja (Unity): To strive for and to maintain unity in the family and community.

2. Kujichagulia (Self-determination): To define and name ourselves, as well as to create and speak for ourselves.

3. Ujima (Collective work and responsibility): To build and maintain our community together and make our brothers' and sisters' problems our problems and to solve them together.

4. Ujamaa (Cooperative economics): To build and maintain our own stores, shops, and other businesses and to profit from them together.

5. Nia (Purpose): To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.

6. Kuumba (Creativity): To do always as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.

7. Imani (Faith): To believe with all our hearts in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders, and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.

 Kwanzaa is not meant to give people an alternative to their religion, but as an addition to it.

 

Christianity – Celebration of the Birth of Jesus

One of my favorite memories of Christmas is the midnight candlelight church service. Following readings of scripture and the singing of carols, the church was darkened and several people each lit a candle from the altar, then dispersed throughout the sanctuary to spread the light row-by-row. The church once again filled with light, as we sang “Silent Night.” I was always moved to tears by that ceremony.

Candles have always been an important part of Christmas, with different denominations developing their own traditions. Of course, with the ease of communication in the modern era, some practices became known and were adopted by individuals from other churches.

Advent Wreaths

One that appealed to many was the Advent Wreath, because it is used during the four-week period before Christmas, and it provides a way to tell the story of events leading up to the birth of Jesus.

Set on the branches of the Advent wreath are four candles: three purple and one pink. A white candle is often placed in the center of the wreath. The colored candles represent the coming of the light of Christ into the world.

Prophecy Candle - On the first Sunday of Advent, the first purple candle is lit - the "Prophecy Candle" in remembrance of the prophets, primarily Isaiah, who foretold the birth of Christ. This first candle represents hope or expectation in anticipation of the coming Messiah.

Bethlehem Candle - On the second Sunday of Advent, the second purple candle is lit. This candle typically represents love. Some traditions call this the "Bethlehem Candle," symbolizing Christ's manger.

Shepherds Candle - On the third Sunday of Advent the pink, or rose-colored candle is lit. This pink candle represents joy, because an angel appeared to shepherds keeping watch over their sheep at night and told them the good news of the birth of Jesus.

Angels Candle - The fourth candle represents the angels who appeared in Bethlehem, praising God and foretelling peace on earth.

Christ Candle - On Christmas Eve, the white center candle is lit. It is called the "Christ Candle" and represents the purity of Christ who has come into the world.

Use of Candles in Christianity.

To Christians, a lighted candle represents Christ and his eternal light. In the past, when there was no electricity, Christmas trees were decorated with candles among the balls – representing the light in Jesus and the spiritual light available to us. With the availability of electricity, candles were replaced with the much safer Christmas tree lights.

Candles throughout the house add beauty and delight to our holidays and create a warm and uplifting backdrop for our celebrations.

Whatever our tradition may be, a lighted candle reminds us of the presence of God always with us. Lighting candles provides us with a moment to reflect on our blessings and to feel the joy that comes from knowing that we are never alone.

Our wish for you is that you are having a peaceful holiday season, filled with love, peace, beauty, and joy.

     Our thanks to the artists and photographers:

        Candle - Photo by Joyce G on Unsplash

        Chanukah - Image by ooceey from Pixabay

        Kwanzaa - Image by OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay

        Advent Wreath - Image by Dieter Klinkowski from Pixabay

 

What are your thoughts?   Please leave a comment below.

Help us spread the message of kindness. If you know others who might appreciate these ideas, please share below.

We’re grateful that you are on this journey with us.

With love from our hearts to yours,
Pat and Larry