The winter holiday season offers us a wonderful time to focus on hope, faith and miracles.
Chanukah revolves around the idea of miracles—a small band of Jews fought against a large army while trying to preserve their religious freedom and won. They had hope and faith and a miracle occurred. Plus, during the rededication of their temple, a small jug of oil lasted not for one day, but for eight—another miracle.
At its most basic foundation, Christmas revolves around the winter solstice and the hope and faith that the short winter days will once again grow long. Additionally, it focuses on the miracle of the birth of Jesus. No matter what story you want to believe about Jesus, he lived a miraculous life that offers many people hope and faith.
The tradition of giving gifts at this time of year, one more common to Christians but adopted by Jews as well, allows us to turn our attention to consciously giving to others. While I’m known to criticize the commercialization of these holidays, giving from the heart consciously is a good thing. We all need to learn to give consciously, and the holidays season provides as good a time to start as any.
Sometimes giving consciously creates its own set of miracles. Try giving every day of the holiday season and see what happens. You might be amazed. In fact, this action alone might restore you faith and hope in many things. Don’t just give because it’s a holiday; give all month long…and then continue giving. These can be small gifts of energy or time. A prayer is a gift. A hug or a smile is a gift. Give a gift that fulfills your soul purpose; these can be the most powerful gifts of all. Just give consciously. See what happens.
