The Image of Light

The world’s major religions all use the symbol of light.  Light is a powerful symbol which most often represents the presence of holiness in our lives.  In Judaism we not only light candles every Shabbat, we light them to recall the light of those who have left this life.  We light candles at weddings to evoke the idea that your light is being joined with mine.  And now, in a week or so, we will kindle the lights of Chanuka to remind us of freedom, the light of freedom.  But we also know that there are Christmas lights and Advent candles this time of year.  In Islam during Ramadan a Fanoos which can be a candle or a lantern is lit and during Kwanzaa seven candles called Mishumaa are lit in a holder called a  Kinara.  Light is a powerful symbol.  And if you are considering planning your wedding at this time of year you are adding to the light of the world!