Candle #2

Last night was special. The boys are older and can appreciate lighting candles and, of course, opening presents. We’re still working, though, on appreciating new foods and not telling Mom that her food is "yucky and disgusting".

Tonight, is the second night of Hanukkah. The candle stands for "Unity".

Those of us who believe in God (and even those who say they don't) tend to limit God. We know, in our head, that all of His attributes are in perfect, harmonious balance but we invariably emphasize one of His traits or qualities over another. What do we call that? In Exodus 20:3, it says "You shall have no other gods before Me." When we redefine God into what we wish or choose to forget certain attributes, we are essentially creating a god in our own image. "We crudely patch together anecdotes and selected scriptures that reinforce his idea of the divine" (Grabbe, D.C., CGG Weekly, August 7, 2010).

The key to peace here on earth is to love and be unified with others. Philippians 2:2 says "make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose." We don't all have to think the same way. God knows we will have differing opinions and contrary personalities. He created us that way. But each of us is beautiful. We were created in His image and bear the responsibility to love and care for everyone (who is unlike ourselves) and recognize each person's God-given role in our universe.

"and I have made Thy name known to them,

and will make it known;

that the love wherewith Thou didst love Me may be in them,

and I in them."

John 17:26