“How good and pleasant it is
    when God’s people live together in unity!” — Psalm 133:1

Last year I went to Nazareth during the Christmas season so that I could enjoy the festivities with the thousands of Christians who live there today. In the centre of the city was a large Christmas tree, decorated beautifully with lights. As I gazed at the beautiful sight, it reminded me of the Hanukkah candles I lit just days earlier. Both Hanukkah and Christmas take place during the darkest days of the year, and both illuminate that darkness with many small points of light.

I don’t think that it is an accident that these two holidays share similarities. Both highlight the core of our shared values — to love others and to bring light to the world. We do that through acts of loving-kindness and by being a blessing to others in any way that we can.

Bring Light to the World

Every year when I light a single candle on the first night of Hanukkah, I am reminded that just as one tiny flame can illuminate a darkened room, one person can bring so much light to the world. And on the last night of Hanukkah, when we light all eight candles, I am reminded that just as a group of tiny flames clustered together can create one great light, a group of people working together for God’s purposes can have a huge impact on His Kingdom.

In Psalm 133, we read, “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” Each one of us is a light, and alone, we can light up the space around us. However, as the verse from Psalms explains, when we come together as millions of small lights, we have the power to illuminate the whole world.

During this season of light, I am so grateful for our “cluster” of light. Together, we have been able to bring God’s light to so many who struggle in darkness.

My friends, I want to wish you and your loved ones a joyful Christmas holiday from The Fellowship family. In the words of the priestly blessing, may “The LORD bless you and keep you” (Numbers 6:24). Just as you have brought God’s light to others, may He “make his face shine on you and be gracious to you” and may He “turn his face toward you and give you peace” (Numbers 6:25-26).

Your turn: How might you spread God’s light and be a blessing to others today?