The beginning of a new year is a good time to remember that most darkness is temporary. No matter how bleak or dark things may seem at times, the long nights of winter gradually grow shorter, a new day eventually dawns, and with it comes a new beginning and new confidence. Hope is the flame that brightens the darkest nights.
During the dark days of World War II, a Jewish inmate in a Nazi concentration camp found a way to rekindle hope. It was the first night of Hanukkah (which, in most parts of the world, falls at the darkest time of the year). On this night, Jews traditionally light the first candle in their Menorah. Not having any provisions for such a celebration, the prisoner saved a scrap of bread from his meager meal and dipped it in grease from his dinner dish. After saying the appropriate prayer, he lit his makeshift candle.
His son said to him, “Father, that was food you burned. We have so little of it. Wouldn’t we have been better off eating it?” The father replied, “My son, people can live for a week without food, but they cannot live for one day without hope.”1
Hope is so much more than positive thinking. It’s deeper than smiley faces and lofty words, although a sincere smile or an expression of faith can be a good start. But true hope is found deep in the hearts of those who love. It is expressed through meaningful work and worthwhile activity. It is manifested in service, sacrifice, and selflessness. It leads us to see ourselves—and others—as children of a loving Heavenly Father who, as the Psalmist said, can be to us a light that casts away fear.2
Each new year, and each new day, can be filled with hope and possibility. When the night seems particularly dark, let us light a candle, even if only in our hearts, to the promise of hope.
1. See Harold Kushner, Conquering Fear: Living Boldly in an Uncertain World (2009), 93-944
2. See Psalm 27:1
Program #4294
Musical Selection:
1. Glory
Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakoff; M. Witmark & Sons
2. New Year
John Rutter; Collegium Music Pub.
3. Auld Lang Syne (Organ solo)
arr. Linda Margetts; Arrangement Unpublished
4. The Lord Is My Shepherd
Howard Goodall; Howard Goodall
5. Spoken Word
6. Look to the Day
John Rutter; Collegium Music Pub.
7. Seventy-Six Trombones, from The Music Man
Meredith Willson; arr. Arthur Harris; Arrangement Unpublished
Music & the Spoken Word
A program of inspirational music and spoken word.