for our ancestors shining in the light

This Thanksgiving eve seems darker
than last year when an interfaith gathering
seemed easier, so innocent and unthreatening,

but now outside as shadows of fear and distrust deepen,
hearts grow colder: the commandment to love our neighbor
as ourselves seems a little dangerous. 

So all the more this season let us celebrate
this beloved community, share our humanity
empowered and connected by Love,

this truth embodied as light, a radiance
blazing against every darkness, 
as we offer signs of thanksgiving and praise,

reflecting in every tradition, how love abides,
in these words and signs, gestures we shape into our offering,
a lamp-like thing, a lantern set upon a lampstand

to illuminate this dark night
with each light we bring tonight, each little light
as when the civil rights marchers sang

‍This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine…

‍Oh beloved community, witness this:
Our ancestors are with us, shining in the light.