Message from the Pastor
As we approach the joyous season of Christmas, I am reminded of the beautiful traditions that connect us across cultures and time. One such tradition is Yalda Night, celebrated in Persian culture and rooted in the ancient practices of Mithraism.
Yalda Night, observed on December 21st, marks the winter solstice, the longest night of the year.
It symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and the renewal of the sun. In ancient Persia, this night was associated with the birth of Mithra, the god of light and truth. Families and friends gather to share food, read poetry, and light candles, celebrating the victory of light and the promise of a new dawn.
Similarly, Christmas, celebrated on December 25th, commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, the Light of the World. This season is a time of joy, hope, and renewal. We gather with loved ones, exchange gifts, and light candles, celebrating the arrival of Christ and the light He brings into our lives.
Both Yalda Night and Christmas share the themes of light overcoming darkness, renewal, and hope. They remind us of the universal human desire to find light and hope during the darkest times of the year. These celebrations emphasize the importance of family, community, and the shared joy of coming together.
In Zoroastrianism, another ancient Persian tradition, the humble rooster stands as a vigilant sentinel of light, an unwavering champion in the eternal clash between order and chaos. When its crow pierces the silence of dawn, it’s far more than a simple heralding of morning—it’s an ancient rallying cry, a call for the forces of Asha (righteousness) to rise and reclaim the world from Druj (deceit and disorder). With each sunrise, the rooster’s voice echoes like a battle horn, marking yet another victory of light over shadow. The Gathas, Zarathustra’s sacred verses, capture this spiritual harmony: “By the dawn’s fire, the world sheds falsehood.” In its crow, the rooster channels the voice of Sraosha, the divine guardian of truth, rousing all life to the promise that no darkness, however pervasive, can outlast the relentless march of the sun.
As we celebrate Christmas this year, let us also reflect on the ancient traditions of Yalda Night. Let us give thanks for the light and hope in our lives, for the fellowship we share, and for the ongoing journey towards reconciliation, peace, and restorative justice.
May this season of gratitude and joy inspire us to continue our work in creating a more inclusive and compassionate world. Thank you for being a part of this wonderful congregation and for all the ways you contribute to our shared mission.
Pastor Danyal