Today is very unique as it is the first time in many years that both Christmas and the beginning of Chanukah (Hanukkah) have been on the same day. Unlike most, I have my roots both in both the Christian and Jewish faiths and, over the years, have developed a unique perspective on the meaning of the holidays having celebrated them both. Both holidays celebrate the Miracle of Light.
Last night, after lighting the Menorah, I gazed upon the flickering glow of the candles and went into thoughtful contemplation on light and how important it is to all of us. Christians (Gentiles) celebrate and give praise and homage to “The Light” that came into the world just like any other human - a babe born from the womb of a woman. “The Light” went through the same trials, temptations and tribulations just like any other man. "The Light" ate, drank, laughed, wept and offered himself up as the atoning sacrifice for all mankind.
Jews celebrate the Miracle of "The Light" as a small, one-day supply vile of consecrated oil miracously burned in the Temple for 8 days. Although the accounting of this is not in "the Bible" per say -- it can be found in the Apocrypha in the books of Maccabe. Light is such a vital part of life. It gives us hope and warmth, it illuminates our path and enables to see in the darkness.
By definition, Chanukah (Hanukkah) means dedication. IMHO, the true meaning of Chanukah (Hanukkah) and Christmas is not about the light that you can see and experience with your physical senses, it is about the light that God (Adonai) placed in our hearts. If we could all but dedicate and rekindle the light that burns there, how much better could the world be? With that being said, Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah to one and all.
George Souto NMLS #65149 - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert
Michael Merry Christmas and happy Happy Chanukah for you and your family!
Dec 25, 2016 04:37 PM
Mapleridge Realty, CT 203-206-0754 - Waterbury, CT
Central CT Real Estate Broker Serving all equally
Just a quick drive by to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year
Dec 25, 2016 05:00 PM
NCW Home Inspections, LLC - Wenatchee, WA
NCW Home Inspections, LLC
Michael, A very Merry (and belated) Christmas and A very Happy New Year to you.
Dec 26, 2016 07:14 AM
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign
Hi Michael- so good to see you here. Happy New Year to you! PS I loved your perspective on it.
Dec 31, 2016 12:02 PM
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign
Thank you TeamCHI - Complete Home Inspections, Inc.
Dec 31, 2016 04:35 PM
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Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
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Lisa Hernandez
Kendall, FL
Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055 - Downingtown, PA
Selling the Main Line & Chester County
Glad that Kathy posted this, good thoughts and look forward toreading more of your thoughtful posts over thecoming year, may it be blessed with health, joy and strong business.
Jan 01, 2017 05:15 AM
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Lisa Hernandez
Kendall, FL
Sharon Lee's Virtual Assistance - Jonesborough, TN
Retired and loving life
Opes Real Estate Group - Kendall, FL
Realtor serving Kendall, South Miami & Pinecrest
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones
Good morning TeamCHI - Complete Home Inspections, Inc. (Michael),
I'm so glad Kathy Streib posted this as one of her "Ah-ha" moments for the week. I'm just back so have been off line and this is a a wonderful post..thank you for your sharing of the "Light!"
Jan 02, 2017 08:51 AM
Nature As Neighbors - Camas, WA
Put My Love of Nature At Work for You
I too am so happy Kathy included this in her Ah Ha favs this week. It is simply beautiful, Michael. And, I can imagine an amazing world if we all followed the light inside our hearts.
Jan 02, 2017 11:18 AM
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude
Hi Michael
Thank you for this post that Kathy felt worthy of featuring, and I did too - a beautiful post! Hope you enjoyed a Merry Christmas and a Happy Hanukkah.
Jeff
Jan 02, 2017 04:22 PM
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393
Hi Michael --- I, too, am happy Kathy Streib included this in her weekly "Ah Ha Moments" post. It's nice to "see" you here and have the opportunity to say "Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year" even if it is a bit belated. Take care.
Jan 03, 2017 10:46 AM
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root
HomeStarr Realty - Philadelphia, PA
Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA
Hi Michael,
I hope you and your family had a blessed holiday season, Michael!
Jan 11, 2017 11:09 AM
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Roy Kelley
Gaithersburg, MD
Hawai'i Life Real Estate Brokers - Haiku, HI
Maui Real Estate sales and lifestyle info
Wishing you much light and love in the new year.
Jan 15, 2017 05:40 PM
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Roy Kelley
Gaithersburg, MD
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD
Lewisburg, WV
Lewisburg WV, the go to agent for all real estate
Michael, I hope your Christmas day was joyful and peaceful. Enjoyed reading this post. Have a Blessed New Year.
Dec 26, 2017 08:42 AM
Atlanta Homes ODAT Realty - Love our Great City - Love our Clients! Buckhead - Midtown - Westside - Atlanta, GA
Concierge Service for Our Atlanta Sellers & Buyers
Michael Thornton
Loved this phrase -
the light that God (Adonai) placed in our hearts
All the best to you and Happy Healthy New Year - Your Atlanta AR friend - Lynn
Jan 05, 2018 09:13 PM
Las Vegas, NV
Hello Michael and it's been a while, I will continue to follow you at AR
I wrote a new post about reaching out to ActiveRain members that are following me at the AR network, your name showed up #45 on my list.
Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend 2018 ...
May 27, 2018 09:53 AM
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Robert Vegas Bob Swetz
Las Vegas, NV
Rainmaker
2,759,862
2,759,862
TeamCHI - Complete Home Inspections, Inc.
Home Inspectons - Nashville, TN area - 615.661.029
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