Years ago, I was told by a friend the following:

“You know we live in light and shadow. That’s what we live in – a world of light and shadow – and it’s confusing.” (ascribed to Tennessee Williams)

At this season every year, I think of Tennessee William’s simple truth, and I’m drawn to it especially this year because of the stark confusion and suffering experienced by so many across the planet in these days.

For our Christian brothers and sisters, Christmas comes to rekindle the light of faith and hope. For the Jewish people, Chanukah, the Festival of Lights, reminds us of our capacity for hope despite the bitter reality that we’ve endured time and again.

These two winter holidays coincide this year, and I’ve asked myself what might this coincidence suggest. Perhaps it is this, that in kindling light, a disarmingly simple act, we transform our homes, holy places and lives with sparks of eternity that illuminate a vision of the world redeemed of its horror and pain.

Chag Orim Sameach to my Jewish friends, and Merry Christmas to my Christian friends.