View Blog Entry

In 2021, an ice storm and high winds stole our town’s power for days. Winter storms can bring brutal surprises. Trees were uprooted and crashed into cars, homes, and power wires. The cold of winter penetrated our insulated homes as if no barrier were present. My neighbors and I bundled up against the freeze, and two of them fired up a grill and a camp stove to enable everyone in our apartments to cook a hot meal. My next-door neighbors brought me hot coffee each morning until the power company restored our power.  Two young men roamed our streets, removing the huge limbs our ancient oaks had dropped. Doing so opened the way for trucks to come through and repair downed power lines. The joy in our community drew back winter’s gray veil.

In the time of the Maccabees, men of great faith overthrew the Greek oppressors in Israel and cleansed and rededicated the temple. “The Madman” Antiochus had defiled it by burning a pig on its altar and dedicating the temple to Greek gods. Jerusalem rejoiced to see the temple restored. However, only one day’s worth of oil was found to light the temple. The temple lights burned supernaturally for eight days, and all knew God was with them. About two hundred years later, Jesus joined the people in Jerusalem as they celebrated that winter miracle.

In our winter moments, God raises light for us, often in the context of people caring for one another with light and hope. Although the ice storm caused much harm, it united our community in ways that regular interaction never could have. In the same way, God’s light burning in His temple succored His people’s hearts and stirred them to gather each year thereafter to celebrate that joy together.

When gray times come, recall God’s blessings and engage your heart with others in that joy.