Mysticism of holiday lights unifies faiths in hopes of world peace

by Lauire Toupin
December 24, 2001

Light illumines everything this time of year . . . houses, windows, trees, people’s hearts and minds. No matter what your nationality, ethnic or religious background, lights and candles are symbols of honor, understanding, happiness and peace.

At the Nashua Area Interfaith Council holiday celebration recently, candles were lit, hands were clasped and voices were raised in song to celebrate our plurality. We came together united by many common goals. But one in particular – to honor the greater power that brought us all together.

Jew joined hands with Catholic, who joined hands with Christian Scientist, who clasped Episcopalian, who held a Lutheran, who held a Baha’i, who clasped a Presbyterian. Reverends, rabbis, priests, ministers and lay people all came together to reflect on the wonder of miracles – the wonder of God.

For a brief moment, we were one. We were one with each other and one with our Father/Mother God in heaven. “Peace on Earth and good will to all” were more than just words – it was an eminent possibility.

A great peace fell over the group as we realized the import of this act and the responsibility to continue this new tradition, somehow outside this group.

At the end of our celebration there was still fighting in the Middle East and terrorist threats in the news. But nothing could shake that feeling of unity and understanding we shared.

At this time of year, we invite everyone to “join hands,” to raise our voices in song and to pray that this feeling of unity and peace extend beyond us, to our families, to our communities and to the world.

Light These Lights

Oh Hear my prayer I sing to you.
Be gracious to the ones I love.
And fill them with goodness, and mercy and peace.
Oh Hear my prayer to you.
Let us light these lights,
And see our way to You,
And let us say, Amen
 – Debbie Friedman

Happy holidays from the Nashua Area Interfaith Council.

Laurie Toupin is a member of First Church Christ, Scientist, and serves on the board of directors of the Nashua Area Interfaith Council as a delegate at large.