Your Journey Is Filled With Light

This is the time of coming from the darkness of the winter solstice into the new year. If ever there was a time of year filled with symbolism it is all around us. When I became what is known as a convinced Quaker, I was enthusiastic to learn of the faith and practice of this not-well-known group of faith seekers. For me, the most outstanding was the use of the image of Light to symbolize the Divine. 

Like most groups, the use of jargon among Quakers is somewhat distinctive. When one prays for someone else, one holds them in the Light. When signing a letter to one another we often close (instead of Sincerely, or With regard) with In the Light. We share Light with one another, walk in the Light, and seek the Light. 

Therefore, I pay attention during this time of year to the extraordinary abundance of lights. Many houses are covered with lights. The Christmas story tells of the light from the star. Hanukkah is called the Festival of Light. Christmas trees have lights on them.  We light candles everywhere. For Kwanzaa, each day, one candle (collectively called the Mishumaa Saba) is lit in recognition of the principles. Stores have lights, streets are decorated with lights, seriously they are everywhere. 

We are drawn to the light. Even the night sky is sprinkled with lights. So perhaps the symbolism is a bit overworked, but I like it. I like that I trust that the Divine is abundant and that even in the darkest time, we are reminded that there is Light. So, as you celebrate with joy this time of year and move toward the new year, I wish that the path you walk on leads to all the happiness you wish for, and that your journey is filled with Light.