Let us celebrate the season of light with joy and gratitude! The five-day festival of Diwali, known as the Festival of Lights, was celebrated by Hindus around the globe from October 29th to November 3rd, marking the start of this luminous season. Diwali symbolizes the spiritual triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance—a universal reminder of hope and renewal.
Next in this radiant season is Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, which begins on the evening of December 25th and concludes on January 2nd. Our Jewish friends worldwide commemorate the recovery of Jerusalem and the rededication of the Second Temple during the Maccabean revolt against the Seleucid Empire in the second century BCE. Central to this celebration is the menorah, which miraculously burned for eight days despite having only enough oil for one. The lighting of the menorah each night of Hanukkah symbolizes the enduring power of faith and the miracle of light.
From December 26th through January 1st, the seven-day celebration of Kwanzaa honors African and African American history, heritage, and culture. Rooted in the Swahili phrase meaning “first fruits of the harvest,” Kwanzaa highlights seven moral principles, each represented by the lighting of a candle. These principles are brought to life through literature, philosophy, African drumming, singing, dancing, and the sharing of meals inspired by the African diaspora.
On December 25th, Christians around the world will celebrate Christmas. While it honors the birth of Jesus—a spiritual teacher, healer, and ascended master—it also holds a metaphysical significance. Christmas symbolizes the awakening of the light of Divine awareness within us. By following the Star of Bethlehem, a symbol of our inner spiritual guidance, we are born anew each time we more fully express our Divine potential.
Throughout this season, the lighting of candles and the adornment of trees, homes, and public spaces remind us of our own inner radiance and the beauty of the light we carry. As we embrace our cultural and spiritual traditions, let us pledge to embody the light in creative and joyful ways, inspiring hope, unity, and love in the world.
The Light Within ~Saturn
Deep inside there is a light,
Burning bright with hope aglow.
Though darkness tries to dim the sight,
This little light refuses to let go.
This tiny flame burns fierce and free,
It flickers but does not fade away.
For deep within my heart I see
A light that shows me which way.
Though storms may come and winds may blow,
This little light won’t be put out.
It shines on steady, letting me know
There’s purpose in every doubt.
This light inside will guide my way
And lead me through life’s unknown.
For deep within my heart I’ll always stay,
Lighting my path, lighting my home.
