As the year draws to a close, many of us find ourselves surrounded by holidays that, though different in practice and origin, share a profound common thread: the power of light, the hope of renewal, and the warmth of community.
Around the world and throughout history, people have turned to light as a guiding symbol of clarity in moments of uncertainty, spiritual awakening in seasons of darkness, and unity when divisions appear to grow.
During this season, communities celebrate moments that honor hope and reflection. Some traditions emphasize the rebirth of light during the darkest days of winter. Others invite us to look inward.
At MCC, from my experience, it feels like a powerful tapestry of welcome and belonging. Rich in stories, cultures, and life journeys, each person brings a unique light. Together, those lights create something radiant.
We witness light in the quiet acts of service carried out every week. We witness light in the courage of those who share their stories, in the resilience of those returning to community seeking healing, and in the generosity of members who build a church where every person is celebrated just as they are.
Long before holidays existed, ancient civilizations saw the sun as a symbol of the eternal cycle of life, death, and rebirth. During the winter solstice, communities lit ceremonial fires to welcome the sun’s return and the promise of a new season. It was a time to pause, give thanks, and prepare spiritually for the path ahead.
Centuries later, with the arrival of Christianity, those ancestral traditions blended with the celebration of the birth of Jesus, a symbol of guidance, compassion, and hope.
Hanukkah, in its own distinct way, speaks to the resilience of the human spirit. It commemorates the Maccabean revolt against the Greco-Syrian Empire, a fight that restored Jewish sovereignty. According to tradition, the victors found only enough consecrated oil to light the Temple’s menorah for a single day but miraculously, it lasted for eight!
The message is timeless: Even the smallest light can overcome the deepest darkness.
All these traditions tell different stories, yet they converge beautifully in the values they uplift: resilience, gratitude, family, remembrance, and renewal. They are threads in a living cultural tapestry that defines who we are in this city and who we strive to be as a spiritual community.
In these uncertain times, Christmas and Hanukkah do more than fill our calendars. They enrich our identity as a church that celebrates diversity, embraces inclusivity, and finds joy in being a spiritual home for all.
My wish for our congregation, and for every person reading this message, is simple:
May this season fill your heart with the warmth of belonging, the strength of hope, and the promise that even the smallest light your light can illuminate the path for someone else.
Happy holidays, and may your light shine brightly.
Humberto Cruz