Creating a Holy Day

It begins in the evening.
In the dark space that is the source of all light,
In the womb that is the source of all creation.

It begins with the most simple of rituals —
Prayer.
And the lighting of candles.

Families and friends gather for a festive meal.
There is gratitude, and grace.

What we notice, and what we speak about, are the surface qualities.
The rituals, the accessories, the objects, and the food.
And the symbolism of it all.

What does it mean?

Beneath the surface, there is more.
A deeper context, a richer meaning.
It invites a look at history.
To remember the values that led to this day.
And, perhaps, if so inclined, to reclaim those values in the present.

The focus is on what happens inside the home.
Everyone comes in circle around the table.

Amidst laughter, connection, and contemplation,
The distractions of the outside world recede.
Pressures ease.

In the sacred silence, we hear.
By the light of the candles, we see.
As we gather, laugh, and play, we feel.

In the sacred space of a holy day, time stops.
And we come home.
To ourselves. To our truth.
To love.

In the sacred space of a holy day, we feel our oneness.

What creates this holy day?
Is it a date on the calendar?
A cultural edict?

We decide.
We create the space.

And we can thus make any day a holy day.

It begins with the most simple of rituals —
Prayer.
And the lighting of candles.