Season of Light
Season of Light
Junious Ricardo Stanton
“Upon the winter solstice,
the Sun appears at its lowest in the sky, and its noontime elevation seems to
stay the same for several days before and after this day. The Sun’s gradual
decrease in the sky reverses upon the winter solstice, marking what many
cultures believe to be a ‘rebirth’ of the Sun as the hours of daylight become
longer.” https://www.farmersalmanac.com/winter-solstice-first-day-winter
As the holiday season approaches it can be a time of
reflection, meditation awakening and invigoration. The December 21, 2021annual winter
solstice marks the official start of winter. The Sun has always played an
important role in the lives of human beings. Our ancestors realized the Sun was
powerful; it gave light, warmth, and helped sustain growth and life.
Today we don’t celebrate the solstice like our ancestors did.
However we do observe holidays (holy days) around this season and they all have
in common the theme of light. The Jews celebrate Hanukkah the Festival of
Lights, Christians celebrate the Christ Mass (Christmas) and many people of
African descent celebrate
Each
of these celebrates prominently feature candles which are a source of light,
one of the major sources of illumination prior to the discovery and use of
electricity. Candles have a deep significance beyond the obvious uses as an
instrument of physical light. “Deeply rooted in almost every religious
and spiritual practice, creed and nationality, there is something peculiar and
symbolic in a solitary flame and the aura of light surrounding it. It
communicates with our souls. It speaks beyond words. It is the Unspeakable that
dwells in the midst of the candle flame. It enlightens, enlivens, inspires,
whispers secrets, comforts and ultimately connects. No matter how thick the
darkness, the light of one candle conquers it. No matter how solitary one flame
is, it is never alone or lonely for its light knows no boundaries and touches
eternity. People of all faiths and walks of life, and many different creeds,
have been joining together in a candlelight vigil to grieve, pray or celebrate.
Candles are an integral part of our identities, they have been playing an
important role in both our collective and individual consciousness…No matter what religion we are born into, there are
sanctuaries and special places to light a candle for health, protection,
blessing and loving memory of departed ones. Candles are believed to connect people
with divine, and with the deceased. They send our message beyond the boundaries
of the visible and material world. In a candle light, the material world and
the world of the Spirit are met.” Candles a Brief History of Symbolism by
Nikola https://www.candledelirium.com/blog/candles-brief-history-of-symbolism/
The
idea and symbol of light is spiritual, it is equated with life itself,
signifying the divine spark, the animating spirit within us. Candle light also
denotes enlightenment transcending ignorance and guidance illuminating our way.
All cultures use the symbol of light, candles and share a reverence for the Sun
because we intuitively know if the Sun went out we would all die, there would
be no life on this planet!
We
live in an age of technology driven by a materialistic a-spiritual
cosmology/ethos. Western “scientists” talk about “The Big Bang Theory” of
creation but they never say what caused the bang in the first place, what came
before and how this majestic well ordered universe resulted from their
primordial explosion. Sane people know better. Even the Hebrew tale of creation
says THE CREATOR said, “Let there be light and there was light.”
Light
also symbolizes hope, resilience, innovation and perseverance, a way of
thriving despite the darkness. We need to get back to basics and appreciate
light and all that it represents during this holiday season no matter what
traditions we celebrate. We need the light of hope to pierce the depression and
constant fear mongering about COVID. We need our inner light to shine to outshine
the saber rattling and threats of war. We need to tap into our own inner light
to help us make it through these turbulent times; we need the light of faith to
transcend the gloom and doom, fractiousness and polarization in the world
today. Even if you don’t light personal candles or participate in rituals and
ceremonies where candles are lit, you can light your inner candle and allow it
to shine.
During this season of lights, let’s remember what Yeshua Ben Joseph said, “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16.
Ashe.
-30-
posted by Junious Ricardo Stanton @ 11:37 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home