[printprofilepic]For Unitarian Universalists the Christmas season, as December is frequently called, presents some challenges concerning what to accent (Christmas, Hanukah, Solstice, pageants, parties) or in discerning how to create services that have a general appeal and are also life affirming and life-inspiring.
Many of us who’ve planned December services or events have focused on Light— the candles of Hanukah representing tenacity and deliverance, the inner light of truth and goodness that the birth of Jesus represents, or the return of light at winter solstice.
I like all of these traditions. I’m not Jewish, but I like the playfulness and ritual of lighting Hanukah candles. I like the enhanced sensuality of spiraling in and out among evergreen boughs in semi—darkness and emerging into light that solstice candles represent. I like affirming that there is in each of us an inner light of love and deeper knowing.
It makes me smile to imagine seeing each of us, like some taller ETs, with ever- brightening orbs of light in our heart space as we encounter the love of friends in community. Let’s just embrace the challenges the Christmas season brings— knowing some of us are practicing Christians, others Jewish, others Pagan, and others Atheists—knowing that as the often quoted sentence states, “we need not think alike to love alike.” May we celebrate and find joy with all types of light this holiday season.
Happy Holidays and a promising New Year!
Benette Sherman
Interim DRE
DATES TO REMEMBER
December 3-5: 7th-12th grade youth CON at the church
December 5, 12: Adult sign up to be a secret friend
December 19: All-congregation service, “Stories of the Season,” No RE classes
December 20: Winter solstice celebration (bring a plate of cookies to share or whatever you think others will enjoy)
December 24: Christmas Eve services December 26: No RE classes, Boxing Day
Potluck Brunch January 2: No RE classes, one service
