Post contains two sections:
An image- and song-filled look at the various light-themed traditions
Songs about being the change you want to see in the world
FESTIVALS OF LIGHT
In some similar ways, these traditions visualize light coming to dispel the darkness – of social struggle, human ignorance, and individual and collective suffering - and then celebrating hope with lights and gift giving:
Hanukkah (Menorah with 9 candles)
Diwali (oil lamps, candles and lights)
Christmas (Advent wreath with 5 candles)
Kwanzaa (7 candles)
Shab-e-Barat (candles & other lights)
SONGS & IMAGES OF LIGHT
Hanukkah
Chanukah Song – Adam Sandler
--no disrespect meant, this song is in the festive spirit of the holiday, as it celebrates the gifts that Jewish performers continue to provide for all people…
Diwali – Hindu, Sikh, Jain & some Buddhist Traditions
--Saw them live a few years ago. Band is awesome and rocking in concert!
--His roots are in the yoga tradition I practice: Kundalini and he was influenced by the Grateful Dead. From his bio page:
“Early influences by Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead and Eric Clapton formed the early ideas for GuruGanesha but it's when he met Yogi Bhajan in 1972 that all of his life's ideals would form into one statement of joy. ‘I was inspired in a way that I had never felt before. It was as if my heart burst open as if it were the sun itself.’"
I Am the Light of My Soul – Snatam Kaur
--Snatam created this for the children of the world. I was introduced to her in my first Kundalini yoga class over 6 years ago. Subsequently, I attended her concerts and did a workshop with her. A true blessing!
Christmas
Christmas Lights – Coldplay
--a gritty and realistic song of hope amid darkness and disappointment
--not a song but a creative telling of the true meaning of the season
Kwanzaa
--celebrating the struggles and accomplishments of Black history
Shab-E-Barat (Muslim) - Featuring Children
Songs for Shab-e-Barat
SONGS ABOUT BEING THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD
This part began as I was listening to two songs that will be used at my 12/12/20 Men2Men council gathering. The first two were chosen by Greg our presenter. I added some additional songs – all so appropriate for this and every season – as we are invited to reach out to those around us. The other songs just came to me. FYI – I chose these particular video versions just for this post.
About Men2Men
A group of guys simply trying to encourage each other to be the change we want to see in the world...For the past 5 years I’ve been meeting in council with other brothers who’ve chosen to walk the trails of life together. These gatherings were begun by my spiritual father Richard Rohr, who subsequently gave them to the care of a group called Illuman. You can read more about this transformative process on the “Men’s Journey” page on my website and in the “CHANGE THAT HEALS” 10/10/20 blog post listed above.
For more info or to sample one of our council meetings, please call or text me: 516-850-2493.
Songs About Being the Change
If Everyone Cared – Nickelback
Make Me a Channel of Your Peace – Tessera
Peace Train – Cat Yusuf Stevens
Be a Light – Thomas Rhett, Reba McEntire, Hillary Scott, Chris Tomlin, Keith Urban
That’s How You Change the World – Newsboys
One More Light – Linkin Park
Who cares if one more light goes out
In the sky of a million stars?
It flickers, flickers
Who cares when someone's time runs out
If a moment is all we are?
Or quicker, quicker
Who cares if one more light goes out?
Well, I do