Wishing You Joy and Light

Approximately 2300 years ago the land of Judea had been conquered by the Syrian Greeks. The Temple had been given over to worship of the gods of the conquerers. Judah Maccabee and his brothers led a group that reconquered Judea. After three years they succeeded and one of their first acts was to clean the Temple and rededicate it to worship. They went to light the eternal light -- a light that is in every Jewish house of worship -- and found a small amount of oil. It looked to be only enough oil for one day, but miraculously the oil burned for eight days and 2300 years later we remember this miracle and light candles for eight nights.

Tonight is the first of the eight nights of Hanukkah. Once again I rejoice and reflect in a miracle that took place thousands of years ago. I am reminded that miracles can still take place and that there is always hope for miracles in our lives. My prayer and fervent wish this Hanukkah night is for light in the darkest night and for the miracles for which we are praying -- for energy, for hope, for faith and for healing. I am adding a prayer of Thanksgiving for the wonderful friends who come to visit here at Buttercup's. Blessings and miracles to you and your families!