‘In dark times there are those who curse the darkness and others who light a candle.’ A Hanukkah message from Rabbi Sachs tells of the miracle of the oil.
A Jewish mystic said ‘It only takes a little light to drive away the darkness.’
Light blazes out the symbol of hope in the dark month of winter solstice; the four candles of Christian Advent, nine for Jewish festival of lights, Hanukkah.
ST LUCIA DAY 13 December
Sweden (and other Scandinavian countries) celebrates the festival of St Lucia near the winter solstice and shortest day of the year. Saint Lucia was an early Christian Martyr killed by the Romans in 304 CE. She secretly brought food to the persecuted Christians in Rome, who hid in catacombs under the city. She wore candles on her head to keep both hands free so she could carry food.
When Queensland Youth Orchestra toured Italy we arrived in Rome. The first day, after an exhilarating glimpse of the Coliseum, we visited catacombs. The musty aroma mingled with small hand held oil lamps lingers in my mind. Imagine living in the dark underground, hungry, fearing persecution! Seeing the flickering light of a candle, smelling fresh baked bread…
Swedes gather in a still dark morning. The sound of singing draws near, “Natten går tunga fjät…” (The night walks with heavy steps) as the room slowly lights up from the candles in Lucia’s light crown and the candles held by her maids.
— Watch here — All wear a white gown, with a red satin belt around their waist; men and boys called stjärngossar, star boys, join the choir. They serve coffee, glögg (mulled wine), saffron buns, lussekatter, and gingerbread biscuits, pepparkakor.
In Burn my Letters, I described my first white Christmas in Sweden’s snow. We lived a few winters near the Arctic Circle, where the sun straggled out around mid-morning only to disappear early afternoon. Eureka! we understood the reason for candles on Christmas trees and cards.
ADVENT LEADS TO THE BIRTH OF CHRIST
Four candles are lit on consecutive Sundays. Derived from the Latin word “adventus,” the word Advent means ‘arrival’ or ‘coming’ – of the Christ child.
- Advent week 1 – Hope: Prophecy Candle
- Advent week 2 – Peace: Bethlehem Candle
- Advent week 3 – Joy: Shepherd’s Candle
- Advent week 4 – Love: Angel’s Candle
HANUKKAH
This Jewish festival commemorates a traditional miracle. There was only enough oil for one day – yet it lasted for eight. Although it’s not mentioned in the Books of the Maccabees (the history of how the Greek rulers of Judea were expelled), the story about the re-dedication of the Temple was obviously around even before the time of Jesus.
The nine-branched Hanukkah candelabrum, called a menorah, holds eight candles that are lit on each successive night of the Festival, using the central shamash ‘helper’ or ‘servant’ candle.
‘Jesus is that servant light, The Light of the World, who kindles us as The Light of the World. In fact, He first described Himself as The Light of the World during the Festival of Hanukkah in His own day.’ (Anne Hamilton).
How to enlighten this present dark world? My gesture has been writing Christmas books for my grandsons, to share stories of their heritage.
Luca, age four, has always responded to light–that is the meaning of his name. It’s a precious opportunity to share heritage with grandsons, by writing stories about their family.
What can you do to inspire your offspring with their family stories?
People have asked me ‘How can I share heritage with offspring?’ I can offer an adapted version of my Christmas in Sweden and Finland book for download. Get in touch if you’re interested.
FINNISH INDEPENDENCE DAY
On 6 December, Finns commemorate Independence Day, the historic liberation from Russian rule in 1917 when my father’s cousin Edvard fought in the Civil War. His son, my great-uncle Rolf, typified Finnish people’s resilience and determined pursuit of freedom, that spirit of sisu. In the 1940s he fought in a crack Jäger regiment and took 30 patrols (on skis in winter) into Russia–possibly close to the siege of Leningrad. He entertained us with songs he learned there and funny stories, but his wife told of nightmares.
SEASON OF GIVING
In Iceland, the tradition is to give books and chocolates for Christmas. What else to do through those long dark nights?
Wondering what to give those history buff bookish relatives? There’s still time; check out my trilogy.
For those who studied at the University of Queensland St Lucia?
Wishing you peace, joy and light this Christmas season.
