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"When
we are fully conscious of what we can do, there is no power in the
universe that can prevent us. The Christ story illustrates this.
When the time for the Christ to appear had come, the Inn seemed to be
closed, and no home to receive him. But an idea, whose time has
come, must find its fulfillment. The lowly manger became a shrine
to glory, which completely transcended everything around it. The
most mundane expression is covered with light when the emphasis is
placed upon the spiritual reality. The Wise Men had to come from
the four corners of the earth in adoration. The mystics throughout
the ages have known that nothing can hold back that which is their
rightful heritage."
- Dr. Robert H.
Bitzer, 1952
"Here
is the story of Hanukkah as it is taught to Jewish children: The Syrian
king Antiochus demanded that the Jews in his dominion abandon their
religion and worship the Greek gods. A small band of rebels, heroically
led by Judah Maccabee, rose up against Antiochus's army and, against all
odds, were victorious. They returned to the Temple in Jerusalem to find
it desecrated, a pagan idol installed there. The holy lights were out,
and there was only enough oil to last for one day. Then the miracle: the
flame stayed lit for eight days, until new oil was found." ...
"And
there may be a message for the world in the Hanukkah story. If the
Maccabees had not been victorious, would monotheism have survived? Would
Christianity or Islam ever have come into being? Perhaps the Hanukkah
story should be cause for celebration outside the Jewish community as
well as within."
-
Edgar M. Bronfman, 2008
Light
dispels darkness, and we know spiritually, Light is knowledge,
understanding and wisdom. And so we know why light as a symbol for spiritual
enlightenment is found in Hanukkah and Christmas celebrations throughout the
world. Light festivals have become more and more prominent in our
contemporary culture. Jewish and Hindu people both celebrate a
"Festival of Lights" but for different reasons. And
although there is controversy surrounding the Maccabees, Light Festivals
and the Menorah continue to be prominent in Jewish culture. Varies
sects of the Christian faith also make use of lighting candles as part
of the Christmas celebration; i.e. Candlelight Mass, Christmas Eve
Candlelight Service, etc.
The Master Mind Jesus exclaimed, " I Am
the Light of the World," and in this perfect affirmation we know
that he meant that the Light of the I Am [G-d] was shining through his
Soul as Truth, Power and Intelligence. Being Jewish, and perhaps
more educated than most in that era, Jesus was drawn to the Light of G-d
as It represented Intelligence. Throughout his teachings we see
references to this Divine Light and he is quoted as saying: "Ye
are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill
cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel,
but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the
house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good
works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." [Matthew
5:14-16]
This is a time for celebration and
participation in whatever events our particular spiritual or religious
affiliations offer us. For many of us, it is a time to become
reacquainted with what these annual celebrations mean to us. And
for those who are so inclined, to study the Truth as it is woven through
each of these holidays throughout history. Each of us can find our
own way of celebration, and perhaps even find new ways in which to
heighten our appreciation of this mystical time of year.
"Ye are the light of the
world," the mystical Jesus declared, revealing to all of us that we
are part of that Life, Truth and Spirit that permeates the
Universe. Let us be reminded during this holiday season that this
light is that part of G-d within each of us. This light can never
be extinguished, for It is part of that Eternal Light of the Presence of
G-d, always and forever expressing Itself through Life, world without
end. It is Intelligence, Power, and Life ... It is our guiding
light ... directing us always to that which is for our highest and
greatest Good. It is our sufficiency in all things, always.
AND
SO IT IS!
Keep
the faith!
Rev.
Dr. Henry Lee Bates
Visit Rev. Bates BLOG: Living
the Science of Mind
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