Christmas and Hanukkah, A Season of Lights

This year, Hanukkah falls on the same day as Christmas. Jews put out their Hanukkah Menorahs, and Christians put out their Christmas trees and lights that adorn the trees and the entire home. Why is light so important for this occasion and many others?

"Light is among the most potent and universal symbols in human life. It symbolizes hope, guidance, warmth, celebration, and the victory of good over evil. Light also plays a central role in shaping meaning and marking occasions across cultures, religions, and traditions.

In terms of Christmas, lights remind us of the light of Christ and the joy and hope He brings into the world. Strings of lights on trees and homes also hark back to notions of community and shared celebration in the darkest time of the year. Likewise, Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, commemorates the miracle of light when the menorah in the Temple burned for eight days on just enough oil for one—a sign of endurance, devotion, and godly action through adversity.

Diwali, India’s Festival of Lights, celebrates the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. During this Hindu festival, homes worldwide are illuminated with oil lamps and candles to recognize this spiritual triumph. Candles are also frequently used to represent remembrance. As the glow of the candle flickers, it likens the memories of the soul to reassure us that though they have moved on, they will always be there, burning eternally in our hearts.

Eternal flames, like those at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, honor sacrifices made by people and represent lasting respect and memory. In contrast, birthday candles celebrate life and its timeline or milestones. At the same time, festivals such as the Chinese Lantern Festival use lanterns to symbolize unity, family, and the light of knowledge and happiness.

One need only think of lighthouses, those stalwart sentinels whose beams of light guide homes and ships to safety when storms threaten. Light is similarly enshrined in religious and spiritual traditions. During prayers, it is common to light candles or incense, some representing the presence of the sacred, divine presence, or spiritual clarity.

Light speaks to our primal human need for safety and meaning, so light resonates with us deeply. It provides heat in cold times, sheds light on hidden things, and reminds us there’s a way forward through the dark. Whether in celebrations, moments of reflection, or acts of remembrance, light always carries the message of life, continuity, and renewal.

Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah to all.

We need peace regardless of religion, nationality, ethnicity, or race.