How to Take Advantage of the Miraculous Holiday Lights

Both the first night of Chanukah and Christmas Eve are celebrated on the same night this year. This doubles the light and opportunity for miracles all around the world.

You might think these two holidays are totally different. They’re not.

It’s true that Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus, and Chanukah commemorates the Jews’ or, more accurately, the Maccabees’ battle against religious oppression. But both these events involved light and miracles.

Holiday Lights

On Christmas, we remember the bright star that led the the Magi, also referred to as the three wise men or kings to the home of Mary and Joseph, who were Jews. As Jesus grew into adulthood, he became a shining light to many people. He continues to be just that to even more believers long after his crucifixion.

During Chanukah, we recall the light of one oil candle that burned for eight days. The candle was lit as part of the temple rededication after its desecration by the Greeks.

While those who celebrate Christmas decorate their homes and trees with lights, those who celebrate Chanukah light a candle every night of the holiday until their chanukiot are filled with eight flickering lights.

A Time of Miracles

No matter which holiday you celebrate, you acknowledge light in one way or another as well as miracles performed by the Divine or Source. The birth of Jesus and his life are considered miraculous…and full of miracles. The one candle burning in the rededicated temple was seen as a miracle as well since it burned for eight days even though there was only enough oil for one day.

According to Jewish mystics or Kabbalists, the eight days of Chanukah provide a unique opportunity to experience miracles…and, as far as I’m concerned, the opportunity is open to anyone who wants to take advantage of it.

Create Miracles with Light

Today, the world needs more light. Shine it out to the world during this season.

If you celebrate Chanukah, place your candles in the window to shine on others. If you celebrate Christmas, place a candle in your window for the same reason…to shine light into the world.

And remember that miracles are still possible. Light a candle…or gaze at those burning in your chanukiah. Then place yourself in a place of faith…that anything is possible.

Ask for a miracle…There’s an opening between you and the Divine energy now. Watch what happens…

Candle Gaze

Take advantage of the special light of this season. In particular, candles provide a beautiful warm light with a spiritual aspect as well.

The Kabbalists say the glow around the candle—not the wick or the flame itself but the halo around both—is tied to the realm of pure potentiality. When you focus on this halo, you tap into the realm of pure potentiality. And if you do so while focusing on a positive future—one that benefits all—you call in the energy that makes miracles.

Spend a bit of time this season—or in particular on Christmas Eve or Erev Chanukah candle gazing. See if you can’t invoke a few miracles that serve the highest good of all.

What miracles have you created during this season?

Photo copyright: Peggy_Marco / Pixabay.com