When you walk down the street, where do you look? If you’re like most people, you’re watching your feet, to make sure you don’t stumble, to see where you’re headed next. In everyday life, we all tend to notice only those things that are at or below eye level. Our natural inclination is to look down. It takes intention and practice to look up and notice what is above our heightened field of vision. Teach yourself to look up, because there are lights in the sky, stars to see!

Looking up is an act of seeing things from a higher perspective, seeing not only the details of the moment but also a vision of the future. Looking up is a metaphor for the ability to see opportunity in difficult times, to hold on to hope and faith, to realize that change is the only constant. Looking up can give you a broader perspective and the assurance of brighter things to come.

In December, many religions celebrate the themes of hope and the promise of the future. Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus; the Jews light menorah candles to remember the hope and the miracle of the oil from the temple lamp that lasts eight nights; in early December, Buddhists celebrate Rohatsu, the anniversary of Buddha’s enlightenment and the possibility of enlightenment for all beings; Earth-centered religions anticipate the arrival of longer days by lighting Christmas logs in the fireplace. In the Christmas story, the shepherds and the wise men literally look up to see a shining star, a light in the sky, that led them to the birthplace of Jesus and the promise of Christ’s message of love.

It’s so easy to get caught up in the dark, whether it’s the physical darkness of winter days or the mental darkness of despair or just plain boring days. We light candles and fires to remind ourselves to figuratively look up, to see that there is hope even in the dark, that light will return as surely as a new day will dawn. I derive great joy from the sweet change and return of this holy season. My heart flutters with hope and faith as I look up at the stars in the winter night sky, at the Christmas lights in our neighbors’ yards, and at the candles on the menorahs and Christmas wreaths. I know that the days will begin to lengthen and that the heat will return to our world. I give thanks because hope, love, joy and peace are celebrated at this time.

Remember, light always wins over darkness. Love and hope overcome fear. May peace reside in your heart. Look up and see the stars!