Christmas Eve service, Wai’oli Hui’ia Church, Hanalei, Kauai, 2015
Christmas on the same
day as Hanukkah
is as challenging for
my friend the Jewish poet
as it is for me.
How, she asks, does one
freshly tell the ancient story
of lamps lit for eight days
with one day’s worth of oil?
How, I wonder, to explain
again the brilliance of the star
that led three wise men to
the babe in swaddling clothes?
The gift, in this darkest
time of year, lies in the light—
the miracle that binds us all,
those of all faiths and none,
in the star overhead,
in the candle that passes
its warmth one to another
and another and another,
the infinite flame
dancing against the
threatening blackness,
reminding us that love
and light are the same,
that they are forever,
that they are, indeed,
us.
Jan Haag
Hanukkah/Christmas 2016
Güd wrtr 
Yes, the light that invites us to enter in and form community. The light which guides and directs us. The light of insight and wisdom. Thank you for your thoughts and poetry to stimulate our imaginations and open our hearts! blessings to you, Jan, on this, and every day! ~Connie
Thank YOU, Ms. Connie! I love the way you’ve said this: “the light that invites us to enter in and form community.” Perfect!
I love this. It is beautiful, simple, true. I think you know how much I value you, dearest Jan, and wish you a wonderful 2017.
Your friend,
Kathryn
Thank you, for the ongoing light that shines through you.
Thank you. May you both enjoy your time in “paradise”. Shall we try for a lunch at some point when you return?
Sent from my iPhone
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