Hallelujah Moment!

 

As we enter the month of December a memory comes to mind that I can't shake. I was asked the question ~ tell me about a tradition that formed who you are today. In a flash my mind's eye saw--little me holding one of those skinny lit candles with the cardboard drip guard, belting out Hallelujah with a congregation thousands strong. 

I was born and raised Reformed Mennonite (yes, I had electricity, no I did not drive a horse and buggy). Reformed Mennonite folks are in general humble and pious people who never sing at the top of their lungs--except on Christmas Eve! On that one night a year heaven came down to earth, truly! Celebrating like that until I was well into my teens, was the truest expression of love, peace and goodwill to all that I was yet to know. On the altar was a lighted candle and from it, a flame was passed, one by one to our neighbor, perhaps a loved one or a total stranger. In a matter of minutes, lights multiplied and a community was born. Light of goodness within each person was acknowledged--no exception, no one left out or disparaged. We shone so bright, so beautifully. A Hallelujah moment was born! 

Now, bringing this Hallelujah moment down into the concrete...watching the news of late, I see division, looting, fear and violence. Inside I ask myself the question--where are the Hallelujah moments--moments of rejoicing in the love, peace and goodwill expressed in us? How are we acknowledging? Stoking? Lighting these flames? I don't recognize the streets of our cities. I've never seen such levels of violence, greed and despair. Our spiritual dimension seems void and lacking. 

I am committed in the month of December to pass the lighted candle, sing and rejoice in what is good and beautiful. If you are in need of a Hallelujah moment, please come visit with me. Shine the light of compassionate awareness on any situation that weighs upon your beautiful spirit. I am at The Studio Tuesdays and Thursdays and would enjoy a chance to pass flames, to shine and rejuvenate, to bring Tahoe heaven down to earth. Zoom is also an option if it suits you best. Please contact me for an appointment to care for your spirit or as a gift to a loved one. May your light shine bright this holiday season and may you pass that light to all you meet.

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