Faces on Faith: The season of hope
It is the season of hope.
Christmas, Chanukah, Diwali, Kwanzaa … the messages of our winter solstice holidays in their essence are the same. Hope for a better future. Be it through the agency of a divine Messiah or heroes who shine a light against the darkness that threatens our human family, it is faith, holy rituals and community that have the power to unite us.
A Baptist minister, with whom I studied 35 years ago, once said: “All of us are waiting for the same thing, we just wait differently.” There is a deep truth in that statement.
Christians are waiting for the heralded second coming of the Messiah born at this time of year, under the light of the brightest star, some 2000 years ago in a small Middle Eastern town. For believers, all prayers, devotions and actions are directed to a single purpose. To prepare the way, by bringing human will and divine will into alignment to allow the Messiah’s return.
Jews are waiting for the first coming. Every year at the Passover Seder, the door is opened so that the prophet Elijah who announces the coming of the Messiah may enter our homes. As the door is opened hearts fill with anticipation. Will this be the year that Elijah arrives? Chanukah kindles the light that guides Elijah to our doors.
On Diwali, Hindu celebrants light clay lamps, said to represent the destruction of anything negative in one’s life and celebrate the goddess Lakshmi, who is purported to bring wealth and good fortune.
The African American Festival of Kwanzaa centers upon the Nguzo Saba (The Seven Principles), celebrating traits such as Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-determination), Ujima (Collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity) and Imani (Faith). All the attributes needed to live fuller lives and bring about a better world.
We are all waiting. But waiting does not mean merely sitting in our churches, synagogues, temples, and homes, praying and waiting for something to happen.
There is a teaching in the Jewish mystical tradition; “The Messiah will arrive one moment after they are no longer needed.” Meaning that it is up to us to strive every day to build a world that brings forth the long-awaited Day of the Lord.
And as Tom Petty taught us; “The waiting is the hardest part.”
Rabbi Sunny Schnitzer is with the Bat Yam Temple of the Islands.