This Hanukkah song encourages the listener to remember the miracle of light. When we are listening to the stories of how God has worked in the lives of others it is important not to forget that God can and will use you as well if you are willing. We are not to keep the light of God’s love to ourselves.
“No one who has kindled a lamp hides it or places it under a bowl; rather, he puts it on a stand, so that those coming in may see its light.” Luke 11:33. It can be tempting to hide our light because light attracts attention and not everyone who sees the light may appreciate it. And the fear of being rejected can make us apprehensive when it comes to sharing kindness.
“This is why people are condemned: The light came into the world. Yet, people loved the dark rather than the light because their actions were evil. People who do what is wrong hate the light and don’t come to the light. They don’t want their actions to be exposed. But people who do what is true come to the light so that the things they do for God may be clearly seen.” John 3:19-21. When we are exposed to the kindness of others the contrast can make us feel uncomfortable, especially if we are not very nice ourselves. This is why some people may lash out and try to put out the light in others and get defensive rather than allowing the contrast between their character and the goodness found in others to inspire them to change or be better. It doesn’t have to be that way but that is what happens when we are blinded by ego. People hide from the light because it makes them look bad. The less light there is the easier it is to ignore problems.
But at the same time one candle can light many others if one has the will and desire to spread the light. I get that it is easy to feel insecure if your own light is not very bright but we grow in faith by practicing not by hiding or avoiding seeing ourselves clearly in order to do better. Although some may try to blow your light out or you may be tempted to blow out the light of others remember we need to be willing to risk opposition to see and burn brightly. And the opposition isn’t always external, we may often have to go against our natural inclinations to do good. “ On the contrary: ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:20-21. Coals can easily start fires so allow the fire of God’s love to show and fall on everyone you meet this Hanukkah and always.
