Holiday Grief and Loss

There is a common thread amongst the many holidays that are celebrated this time of year— Diwali and Chinese New Year with their lanterns lifted by candle heat, Chanukah’s menorah, Kwanza’s seven flames, Yule’s log and Christmas’ bulbs— that is light. This is the darkest time of year and since ancient times people have found ways to bring the hope of light into the long nights. They found a way to celebrate that we continue to honor and replicate even in the electric glow of modern times where light for most is just a switch away. And yet our souls still yearn for the hope of a time ahead. A hope for the return of more daylight and the warmth it brings.

We find ourselves in the darkest of times. The extended night of December is nothing compared to the depression of the soul at so much loss. It feels impossible to see the light, any light.

And maybe we need the shelter of the dark, maybe we are not quite ready for the longer days; may there be rest in that place. But my prayer is that we would still be able to see the hope in the lights and that we can find ways to celebrate. Celebrate little glimmers of peace and may, as the Jews say, the memories be a blessing.

“The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:5