Light and dark play key roles in the story of Gnarly's Journey, in which fear of darkness is overcome by love. The book offers a story of how we have annual holiday lights around the world. Most cultural and religious groups respond to the metaphor of light.
photo by cottonbro studio
Part of the Diwali tradition is the celebration of the triumph of light over darkness, and the renewing of a commitment to pursue good.
Our Jewish friends also celebrate a Festival of Lights. Hanukkah, commemorates the reclaiming of religious freedom by their ancestors, and the miraculously-enduring light of their menorah.
In the Christmas story, a bright star guides the way to Bethlehem.
This time of year also includes spiritually-significant days for other groups. Muslims celebrate Ashura, sometimes with bonfires. Buddhists observe Bodhi Day, a celebration of Siddhartha Gautama's determination to sit until he achieved enlightenment, a word derived from "light".
Zoroastrians' Yalda, and Yuletide - both mark the Winter solstice - the shortest day of the year and the promise of the return of light and warmth.
While the celebration of Kwanzaa focuses on the accomplishments of extraordinary black people throughout history, anyone is welcome to participate. One small way to join in, is to light candles at home.
In many Asian cultures, fire-works light up the sky as part of their New Year holidays. Mistakes of the past are washed away, and new beginnings are celebrated.
No matter what our cultural or religious backgrounds, we all can be uplifted by light, and challenged to face the uncovered in our lives. We can acknowledge our shortcomings, make amends, and resolve to stay on paths that are guided by our deep desire for good, for hope, for peace, and for love.