The Light We Share

Have you noticed how certain times of year invite us to slow down and pay attention? To what matters. To connection. To care.

For me, that invitation shows up in light — from the warm glow of Diwali lamps in the fall, through the gentle flicker of Hanukkah candles, to the twinkling lights of Christmas.

Across cultures and traditions, people welcome this in different ways — through Ramadan observances, Buddhist lantern festivals, winter solstice ceremonies among Indigenous peoples, and more. Over the years, seeing and sharing in these traditions with people from many faiths deepened my gratitude for something simple and true: at the heart of them all is warmth, love, and light — a quiet reminder that hope is never far away.

Even the smallest glimmer can brighten the world around us. A smile, a kind word, a listening ear — or simply being present with others — can lift someone’s day and ripple outward, spreading  compassion and hope in ways we may never fully see. Light doesn’t just chase away darkness; it reassures us that we are not alone.

This season, let your light shine — gently, authentically, and in your own way. Together, our shared warmth can offer hope, brighten the world, and inspire others to do the same.

Keep shining your light!