How far that little candle throws his beams! So shines a good deed in a weary world.
~ William Shakespeare
The best thing about this time of year isn’t the gifts or the decorations or the obligatory holiday parties (definitely not the best part). It’s certainly not the media hyperbole about a contrived “war on Christmas.” That particular absurdity strikes me as the antithesis of Christmas — or any other religious or cultural holiday celebrated during these dark, cold winter months.
Regardless which set of winter holidays you follow, they all seem to have one thing in common: light. Whether it’s lights on the Christmas tree, candles in the Advent wreath or Hanukkah menorah, luminarias lining a sidewalk, the lights of Diwali in the Hindu tradition, or the burning of a Yule log to welcome the return of longer days… light is a common denominator throughout history and around the globe for the season’s holidays.
We’re pretty spoiled when it comes to light in this modern age. We have light readily available at the flip of a switch, touch of a button, or spark of a lighter. We have so much access to light we have light pollution!
Shakespeare speaks of another kind of light, though, one we can always use more of and one we can all afford to give: the good deed.
Good deeds don’t have to be grand gestures, costly gifts, or dramatic presentations. Good deeds can be as simple as holding a door for someone, a chore done without being asked, picking up the tab for a coffee or a meal, or just offering a smile and a sincere compliment. And the best thing about a good deed? It doesn’t just spread light to others, it kindles our own light within.
By NIKI TURNER – editor@editorht1885.com
