Do you believe in fairies? Do you believe in soul mates? Do you believe in a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow?
Do you believe the sun will rise, the moon will set, the stars will shine, the leaves will fall, the tides will turn, and the earth will rotate on its axis?
“Yes, Virginia, there really is a Santa Claus,” reminds us that Christmas, Chanukah, and Kwanzaa are about conviction, faith, and hope. They’re about sticking to your aspirations, remaining true to your desires, no matter how many times you’ve been knocked down, rejected, disappointed.
At the beginning of the 1996 version of “The Preacher’s Wife,” starring Denzel Washington and Whitney Houston, a young boy defines faith as follows: “Just because you can't see the air doesn't keep you from breathing. And just because you can't see God doesn't keep you from believing.”
In the classic holiday film, “Miracle on 34th Street,” Fred tells Doris, “Faith is believing when common sense tells you not to.”
The song “I Believe” was recorded in the 50’s and 60’s by various artists including Elvis Presley, Frankie Laine, and The Letterman. The apropos lyrics are:
I believe for every drop of rain that falls, a flower grows.
I believe that somewhere in the darkest night, a candle glows.
I believe for everyone who goes astray, someone will come to show the way.
I believe, I believe.
I believe above the storm the smallest prayer will still be heard.
I believe that someone in the great somewhere hears every word.
Every time I hear a newborn baby cry, or touch a leaf or see the sky,
Then I know why I believe!
Of course, it’s impossible not to be restored to optimism upon hearing the words of Anne Frank, "I believe in the sun even if it isn't shining. I believe in love even when I am alone. I believe in God even when He is silent." She further reveals, “I keep my ideals, because in spite of everything I still believe that people are really good at heart.”
Tuesday is the first night of Chanukah, aka The Festival of Lights, commemorating the victory won by the Jews for the freedom to believe as they see fit. According to Rabbi Kushner, if it weren’t for Hanukkah, we wouldn’t have Christmas. If the Jews hadn’t rebelled and fought for religious liberty, their faith would’ve faded into history and never be heard of again.
“There would have been no Jewish community for Jesus to be born into…No one would’ve remembered the messianic promises he claimed to fulfill. Without Hanukkah, there would have been no Christmas.” (From “To Life: A Celebration of Jewish Being and Thinking”)
Whether you practice the tradition of lighting candles for one or eight days, try this blessing, adding an affirmation as denoted below (or create your own).
Day One: “On this night I shall light one little candle fire, oh so bright, what a sight, one little candle fire.” I believe in everlasting love.
Day Two: “On this night I shall light two little candles fire, oh so bright, what a sight, two little candles fire.” I believe in attracting the perfect romantic match for me.
Day Three: “On this night I shall light three little candles fire, oh so bright, what a sight, three little candles fire.” I believe in a pure honest bond that can’t be broken.
Continue as above on each consecutive night.
Day Four: I believe in catching the attention of a sweetheart who will treat me with the behavior I covet, e.g. compassion, understanding, generosity, dedication, gentleness, respect, and thoughtfulness.
Day Five: I believe in having intimate friendships, based on loyalty, trust, integrity, and sincerity.
Day Six: I believe I’m a powerful man/woman with inner strength, courage, and fortitude to handle what’s before me.
Day Seven: I believe in the kindness, sensitivity, and moral fiber inherent in all humanity.
Day Eight: I believe in an abundance of wealth and health. .
Day Eight: I believe in joy, bliss, pleasure, laughter, and happiness.
Wednesday is the Winter Solstice, the longest night of the year when darkness looms on heavy hearts. With all the impending gloom and murkiness, no wonder it’s difficult for single men and women to find comfort and joy during these celebratory occasions.
However, there’s always illumination and enlightenment at the end of the tunnel. In the darkest hour the spirit is replenished and given strength to carry on and endure.
You have the ability to breathe light into the saddest souls. Discovering the brightness in your core is all that’s required to radiate the brilliance you merit, alluring the affection and devotion you covet.
The quintessence within, your fundamental nature, has always and will continue to sustain you through the cold and dreary periods of your life.
Everyone can transform. Consider The Byrds’ song, with lyrics by Pete Seeger adapted from the Book of Ecclesiastes, “To everything, turn turn turn, there is a season, turn turn turn, and a time for every purpose under heaven…A time of peace, I swear it's not too late!”
You have the opportunity to deem this the phase for your steadfastness and resolve. Whatever you believe, what's most important to you at this very instant, can come to fruition.
An 88 year old woman recently met a young gentleman in his late 70’s on an internet dating site. They’ve fallen madly and passionately in love. He’s head over heels, treats her like a queen, and vice versa. They’re planning a trip to Vegas for New Year’s and are elated to have finally united.
To help manifest your longings, write an unsent letter to Santa (or other divine/delightful representative) listing five material requests and five personal yearnings.
Then construct a holiday card to the world describing 2011 and what you’ve achieved in all areas, e.g. career, family, hobbies, amorous connections. Share with those close to you the extent of your triumphs and challenges.
Next, compose a second letter, dated December 2012. Explain in detail exactly what your year was like according to how you’d like it to transpire. Be specific as to what you’ve done, who you’ve met (what they look and act like), how you’ve evolved.
Be sure to incorporate small, medium, and big accomplishments. Put it away until next December. This method reinforces the theory that as you believe, so shall you receive.
Honor the here and now trusting that you’re right where you’re supposed to be and when necessary, the universe will provide for you. Sit back, relax, put one foot in front of the other, stay out of the results, and concentrate on the process of showing up and being your best. Observe your greatest goals taking shape and your fondest visions taking form.
