This holiday season, as Christmas and Hanukkah align, we celebrate the light of Hashem guiding us through darkness—a shared call to reject hatred, embrace truth, and walk together in unity and hope.
At Never Again is Now, we aim to illuminate the virtues of unity and understanding through truth, celebrating the beauty of diversity. This year, Christmas and the first day of Hanukkah coincided, creating a wonderful connection between the two festivals, often candidly referred to as “Chrismukkah.” Both festivals centre around the light of Hashem (God) guiding humanity through the darkness.
This holiday season offers a unique opportunity to reflect on how Hashem’s pure light dispels the surrounding darkness for all people and nations, as explained by the prophet Isaiah 60:
“Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; But the Lord will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you. The Gentiles (non-Jews) shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.”
Christians reflect on the words of Jesus as he attended the temple during Hanukkah:
"When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'" (John 8:12)
Hashem embodies perfect light and goodness. He promises to guide us through the darkness we witness in today's world. In the book of Job we see that even though Job endured immense suffering, Hasham helped him through it:
“When His light shone upon my head, and when by His light I walked through darkness.” (Job 29:3)
I actually laugh when I see the stupidity of antisemitic evil and lies exposed for their inversion and insanity. Evil hatred will be exposed because light reveals what is conspired in darkness. Jesus emphasised this truth:
“And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.” (John 3:19-21)
In a world filled with misconceptions about history and long-festering antisemitic conspiracies, the more these lies are exposed, the more the silent majority will awaken and openly take action to reject the underlying evil.
Every person carries the imprint of Hashem’s nature, which is why, when awakened, their conscience naturally revolts against evil and falsehood.
How can we embody this season in our lives?
- Shared meals foster the exchange of cultural and spiritual values.
- Light the menorah with Hanukkah prayers alongside the Christmas tree lights symbolising our commitment to overcome darkness.
- Manifest the light by volunteering to express Hashem’s kindness through action.
The aligning of Hanukkah and Christmas this year isn't merely a fusion of two holidays; it embodies the light that Hashem spoke of—a light of life that dispels darkness and brings His joy and supernatural peace.
Let us walk confidently together in Hashem’s light, ensuring that we never confront the shadows of persecution and division alone.