For everything there is a season. With the arrival of winter’s dark sky, communities around the world look to the miracle of light as a sign of rebirth and a source of hope. We celebrate the promise of new life and recommit ourselves to the protection of everyone’s right to his or her own radiant humanity.

As December unfolds before us, we welcome in the gift of reflection. We turn toward this holiday season and search for common threads of meaning.

Hanukkah, the festival of lights, commemorates a time of miracles when the faith of the Jewish people sustained them to reclaim their holy temple and keep the light of the menorah burning for eight days.

Christmas, the celebration of Jesus' humble birth in a manger, invites us to revisit the miracle of His birth; of an unconditional Love that has come to heal the wounds of humanity.

Kwanzaa is a Swahili word that means "first" and signifies the first fruits of the harvest. From December 26 to January 1, many people of African descent in America-celebrate Kwanzaa. … one of these is the celebration of the harvest.

Each one of you are just as much a miracle as the turning of the earth, as persistence and dedication to a faith, as the creation of each new life. We see the love you give to others, the space you create to hold one another's joys and sorrows, and the generosity and spirit you entrust to this healthcare community.

You are a miracle. This community is one of miracle-makers.

Adapted from a prayer by Gwen Mathews

Shared by Liz Sorensen Wessel
Artwork by ~liz