Letters from Linden
by JACK LINDEN
For those of the Jewish faith, the celebration of Hanukah, the celebration of lights and the miracle of oil for lamps, just ended.
For Christians, Christmas too will be celebrated with lights. According to their belief, wise men followed a star to Bethlehem where they would find the baby who was to be the king of the Jews.
It seems that no matter what religion, somewhere in the faith light is involved. What does it really mean? I have my own idea about the meaning of lights and take into account the message that came with the light of the Christian faith. The message of peace on earth, goodwill toward men is the real meaning of the light. It is the message that truth and justice, peace and goodwill are not to be celebrated only at this time of year, but throughout the year.
How much better we would be if we practiced goodwill in all our dealings.Would we treat our fellow humans better? Would we give them a smile rather than a frown? Would it not make our own lives much more enjoyable? We should try that for a while in our daily lives. We don’t have to agree on everything, but part of living is knowing that someone else might be correct.
No matter what our religion or lack of religion, it is time that all of us take some time to think about the meaning of the light and the message of the season. The season is more than wishing someone a Happy Hanukah, a Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays. It should be a time when we analyze our own thinking about our fellow human beings. Take some time away from the parties and storytelling and think about the true message. It is more than just the birth of a child and the miracle of oil for lamps. The messages are about finding peace and goodwill in ourselves so that we may help others achieve it.
And now, for all of you of the Jewish faith, a belated Happy Hanukah, and to those of the Christian faith, Merry Christmas. The teachings of both are well worth thinking about.
