Light to Break the Darkness

This is the time of year of long dark nights in the northern hemisphere of earth. Our diverse cultures have each developed rituals and celebrations around light and fire to combat the darkness, both actual and symbolic, and bring light, warmth, safety, and hope to our peoples. We string Christmas lights, burn yule logs, and light Chanukah candles and in some of the more northern communities, we set huge bonfires ablaze in the streets. Heat and light are spirit, love and safety for so many of us. We formalize these expressions through our religions.

We are the human family and there are many branches. Sometimes we see only the differences. Sometimes, among the more closely related branches of our
family, the differences are so fine that they are invisible to all but the most intimate. Those are the ones that cause the most painfully long lasting tensions in this family of ours. This is strife and intolerance.

We can learn to live with more peace, and with appreciation of one another. We can learn to find joy from understanding the viewpoints of others; knowledge and understanding are the true light. Love will result.

"Man, since the dawn of the species, has taken great consolation and joy in his religions.", L. Ron Hubbard.

So, from my faith tradition, Merry Christmas!

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