  Spiritual
This week: Finding the Light in the Darkness Edited by: Sophy  
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Hi, I'm Sophy ~ your editor for this edition of the Spiritual Newsletter. This week we'll talk about how many religions find divine light in the darkness of December.
The Rev. Scotty McLennan, author of the book Finding Your Religion, compares humanity's innate need for spiritual searching to climbing a mountain. In his view, we are all endeavoring to climb the same figurative mountain in our search for the divine, we just may take different ways to get there. In other words, there is one "God," but many paths. I honor whatever path or paths you have chosen to climb that mountain in your quest for the Sacred.  |
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Light in the Darkness
"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."
Gospel of John
"The lamps are different, but the Light is the same."
Rumi
"Only in the darkness can you see the stars."
Martin Luther King, Jr.
In the northern hemisphere December plunges us into deepening darkness, the perfect setting for spiritual celebrations of light which occur this time of year. For instance Pagans celebrate Winter Solstice as a sign of the coming return of the sun, since after the longest night on December 21/22, the sun begins its long journey back.
Jewish friends observe Hanukkah during December, a "festival of lights" commemorating the rededication of the Temple in 165 BCE after it had been desecrated by the Syrian King. After the Jews returned and cleansed the Temple, they held a service of rededication - but there was only enough oil in the lamp for one day. Miraculously, the oil lasted eight days.
Kwanzaa celebrations, a growing tradition among African Americans, occur December 26 - Jan 1. Based on the year-end harvest festivals that have taken place throughout Africa for thousands of years, a candle is lit in the Kinara on each of the seven days of Kwanzaa.
Likewise, in the gathering winter darkness Christians celebrate Advent and Christmas by lighting one candle on an Advent wreath each week, representing hope, peace, joy, and love. A central candle symbolizes God's light coming into the world through Jesus.
Reflecting on my own Christian tradition, I find hope in the light of Christmas associated with a baby born to parents in such vulnerable circumstances. The gospel writers depict Jesus' peasant class birth into a world governed by elite and brutal politics, and 2000 years later, poverty, oppression and injustice still darken the lives of too many. And while it may seem counterintuitive to find hope in the presence of an infant and his dispossessed family, each year I comprehend the connection more profoundly.
The possibility of peace, the hope for justice, the experiences of joy and love can only be realized by shining the light of compassion into the dark corners of our world. Nurturing our concern for the well being of others, particularly for those not in a position to care for themselves, is the only way human society will overcome the realities of fear, violence, and greed that have so long dominated our existence.
In the midst of this dark winter month, my hope is that whatever our faith tradition, we might all experience the presence of a sacred light calling forth the best of what makes us all sisters and brothers in the human family.
WRITING PROMPT: Write an article, story, or poem about a tradition unfamiliar to you (meaning, not your own) that symbolizes the spirituality of light overcoming darkness. Share your results with me for my next Newsletter.
Happy Holidays, Sophy
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Below you'll find some offerings about a variety of religious celebrations observed around this time of the year from other WDC members. Please let the folks know if you read their piece by leaving a thoughtful comment or review.
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Here is a response to my last newsletter "Spiritual Newsletter (November 15, 2011)" about grieving the loss of a pet - thank you all so much for your kind words, and your kindness!
From Joy 
So sorry, Sophy.
This must have been such a trying time for you, but Kayla was special, and it is such a delight to have our dog and cat companions as long as their life spans allow them to stay with us.
Thank you, Joy.
  
From ~SilverMoon~ 
I totally enjoyed reading your newsletter about saying goodbye to your best friend. I loved the pictures too where Kayla was happiest, aside of course from being in your life and nobody has to tell me that I can hear your love for her in your words. What a loving way to memorialize her presence.
Surely Kayla is smiling from Doggy Heaven. I have nothing to highlight. Anything in my port is reviewable and I have no preference.
So glad you enjoyed the newsletter, thanks for letting me know, and for your kind words.
From whimsicalme
I am sorry about Kayla - what a beautiful best friend and companion she was! I have one too, and have lost one before her - I can feel your emotions.
Elinya
She was a gift in our lives, that is for sure!
From Julie D - PUBLISHED! 
Hi Sophie,
I wanted to write to you to tell you that I loved this week's Spiritual Newsletter. It was very well written...and it made me cry, too. I am so sorry for your loss. I know just how it feels. You've lost a member of your family and it hurts. Kayla was a beautiful dog and I can tell she brought you and your family so much joy.
Anyway, I'm writing to you because I have a poem that I wrote several years ago about my last dog, Kelsey. She passed away a little more than a year after I wrote this poem.
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Several months after she passed away, we got ourselves a labradaughter (I love that - I'm so going to use it). I have a poem about her also.
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She's 2 1/2 and spoiled rotten.  We love her dearly. 
I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers as you deal with the loss of your beloved Kayla. Hang in there.
~Julie
Thank you so much for writing in, and for sharing your beautiful poems - as well as for your kind words, they are appreciated.
From Emeraldawn
Thank you for sharing Kayla with us. I loved your newsletter, tribute to your friend. As a pet owner, I fully understand and I am so sorry for your loss.
Kay
Thank you!
Please keep your comments and suggestions coming! Until next time! Sophy |
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Spiritual: December 13, 2011 Issue [#4762]
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