The Evergreen tree has traditionally been used to celebrate winter festivals for thousands of years. 

Since Evergreen trees do not lose their leaves they have come to symbolize everlasting life… as well as representing new life and hope.

We adorn our trees with light and our spirits are somehow uplifted! 

The light is a symbol of hope in our darkest days.

What is This Hope?

Wikipedia states:

• Hope is an optimistic state of mind that is based on an expectation of positive outcomes with respect to events and circumstances in one’s life or the world at large. As a verb, its definitions include: “expect with confidence” “to have trust” and “to cherish a desire with anticipation.

• Hope is being able to see that there is a light despite all the darkness. – Desmond Tutu

• Hope is the spark that lights the fire of inspiration and imagination.-Dr. Judith Rich

• Hope is the power to believe that anything is possible — a fresh start, a second chance, or to wish upon a miracle. 

In Times of Crisis, Communities Look for Symbols of Hope. 

The simple sight of a candle flame, the sparkle of tree lights or the twinkle of stars lit up in a night sky,  can help to remind us that in this world, so much good is possible. 

Hope gives people a reason to continue persevering and believing that their current circumstances will improve, despite the unpredictable nature of human existence.

Hope does not necessarily fade in the face of adversity; in fact hope often endures despite poverty, war and famine. 

Even in the most challenging of circumstances,  hope fosters an orientation to life that allows a grounded and optimistic outlook. 

Hope helps us remain committed to our goals and motivates us to take action towards achieving them.

Charles Snyder, A psychologist and renowned hope researcher , stated so eloquently:

A rainbow is a prism that sends shards of multicolored light in various directions. It lifts our spirits and makes us think of what is possible. 

Hope is the same – a personal rainbow of the mind.

Hope is The Magic Ingredient We Need in Life

In a world full of fear, stress, and sadness, it‘s easy to develop a negative worldview. 

The difference between those who let their circumstances bring them down and those who choose to embrace the goodness of life and find comfort… lies with the important element of hope.

Hope is a powerful antidote to feelings of despair and desolation.

As these winter days grow shorter,  may we allow these symbols of light into our lives —to offer us comfort , strength and the magical ingredient of hope that we need to move forward in the direction that we desire for ourselves.

Whether fire from the Diwali lantern, candles on the menorah, or the tiny twinkling lights that adorn Christmas trees,

they are a reminder of the heart’s capacity to overcome darkness and an assurance of brighter days to come. 

For even in darkness, love can triumph and we can always find light, life and hope.

Let us take a moment to close our eyes, be still, and come present to this beautiful, magical moment all gathered here together. It’s a miracle we all woke up together this morning and can be here now.

May we open our hearts in gratitude to receive the magic of hope, as we remember that we have the capacity within us to overcome any challenge.

Even in darkness , love triumphs and we can always find our way to the light.

One More Thing…

Please connect if you would like to develop more hope into your life, I am here to help.