Index of Rev. Grey's Columns

The holidays evoke a sense of mystery, miracle, joy and celebration. Encumbered by the materialism of our culture, nevertheless they invite a deepening of the spirit, an awakening to the essential truths of love and peace. With candlelight and song, gatherings in faith communities and around the table, they encourage a spirit of gladness and generosity. In our Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, the Chicago Children’s Choir sings songs from more than one tradition and place, and we remember, again, the unity of all beings midst the diversity of creation. We sense ourselves as part of a larger whole, that paradoxical oneness that weaves together the many-ness of life.

Still, how do we respond to the homeless or hungry one who approaches us when we are leaving a neighborhood restaurant, satisfied by good food and companionship? How do we recognize the sacred being in him or her? How do we reconcile the daily reports of deaths in Iraq and elsewhere, even in our own city, with our desire for delight in the season? In the face of the very large sorrows of war and economic inequity, how do we keep up our hope in this season, whose stories are full of promise?

In the December Sojourner's magazine, one author, Andrew J. Hoeksema, wonders about these things. What he says is that this is a season for "maybe's" not for certainties. It is not that the light overcomes darkness altogether, or now; it is that a light in the midst of darkness suggests possibility, and possibility is a source for hope. The birth of a child opens up new possibilities. Maybe that child will offer something new for our world. Maybe some projects or ideas we embrace will help us build bridges of understanding and contribute to peace. Maybe if those of us who drink or serve coffee, use Fair Trade Coffee, and we support the Fair Trade Fair, we will be helping some growers and craftspeople in other countries have a better life. Maybe if we collect money in our Guest At Your Table boxes, and send them to the UU Service Committee, we will be helping restore hope to others in our world.

These holidays, Christmas, Chanukah, the Solstice, and other winter festivals of light are not about overcoming oppression and evil. They are about values that, when lived with integrity, offer the possibility of new life, more abundant life, a life more fair for all beings. May our celebrations, and may your celebrations, deepen our spirits and invite us to reach beyond ourselves to offer new possibility and hope.

With love, in faith,

Nina