Hanukkah Lights Shine!

Nourishing Body & Soul by Sharon Rosenblum

This year I feel we need the miracle of the Hanukkah lights more than we have in quite some time. We are all feeling a bit lost since we cannot gather in groups as we usually do this time of year. We are missing our families most of all.

Thanksgiving, which seems to kick off the holiday season, was a lonely one this year as we stayed at home, alone, without our relatives traveling to be with us for a big meal while giving thanks. Our Thanks were given, but in smaller groups in each individual’s home.

This year will be one for the history books for many reasons, but most important for us to remember is that we are still here. There is much to be grateful for even during COVID. It has given me the opportunity to recognize all that I have and all that this planet offers us today and always.

The miracle of the sacred oil at the Temple that had been destroyed is one that shows us that anything is possible. That one-day supply of sacred oil lasted for eight days so that the eternal flame did not go out. It took eight days for more sacred oil to arrive by messenger riders.

That oil arrived and the flame has continued to be shining bright ever since. It is a symbol of hope during times of despair, like now with COVID. While this holiday season may not feel quite so bright, remember that this flame or light along with so many others, continue to shine brightly.

The lights show us the way to keep moving forward and to overcome any adversity we may perceive is blocking our path. Let go of the perception that we are “stuck” here and that life is horrible while wearing a mask. Really? Wearing a mask is a small effort to make so that we all can be healthy.

We have all agreed to be here at this time, to travel through these events, and to offer our light to others so that they too may move forward with grace and ease. We are here to show the way. Let go of the negativity and seek the beauty of these quiet days.

Drop down into the sacred space of your heart and feel. Feel the wonder at all that we have here on this planet. Look to the stars in wonder of how we are here and the other planets out there in the many universes that may also have life on them.

We are at a shift point where we will decide what happens next. Will we join together and make this world a better place to live? Can we finally let go of greed and self -aggrandizement and be there for each other, for all of humanity?

The lights of the season, on the shortest and darkest days of the year, are there to help us find joy and love for all life as well as the planet. Let us be grateful for the life we have and begin to make it a much better one.

As we prepare for a new year, let’s set the intentions to make it a better year. Maybe even the best year yet! We will have a new president who will bring a new vision for our country and hopefully for all the people to come together, to work together for the good of all.

We have been so divided these last four years and seen so much violence. I, for one, hope to see this level of nastiness dissolve and leave the planet. We can do so much more and be so much more. I feel a new, stronger meaning for the phrase, “Peace on Earth and Goodwill toward Man”.

So, let’s go light some lights. When you light candles or even a fire, look into the flame and become one with that flame, dance with it. Let the light of the fire cleanse you and bring new life to your heart and soul. Breathe in the fire and feel yourself release the old patterns as you exhale.

Let our own light shine brightly to force away the darkness that seems to be everywhere. If the sacred oil of the Temple can last and shine brightly, then let us also do our part and shine our light through our Hannukah candles, our holiday lights on our houses, and in our hearts. We can do this!

I recently took an old recipe I had and made it Gluten Free for the holidays. I hope you enjoy these treats as much as I do!

Blessings,

Sharon

CHOCOLATE PEPPERMINT COOKIES

Ingredients

½ cup butter unsalted butter, softened

4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped

1 cup sugar

1½ cup gluten free flour

¾ tsp. Xanthum gum (omit if your flour mix already has it in it)

¼ cup Dutch processed cocoa powder

½ tsp. baking soda

½ tsp. baking powder

¹ ⁄₈ tsp. salt

2 tsp. vanilla extract

2 eggs (at room temperature)

½ cup dark chocolate melting wafers (or just chocolate chips)

¼ cup crushed peppermint candies

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375° F.

Melt bittersweet chocolate and butter in the microwave in 30 sec. bursts. Set aside to cool a bit.

In a stand mixer bowl add the cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix.

Add in the melted butter mixture. Beat until all the ingredients are combined. Scrap the sides to mix everything as needed.

Add in the eggs one at a time and vanilla extract. Beat until combined. Then add in the flour and beat until combined.

The dough should be a thick but soft consistency.

Scoop into 1” balls and place on parchment lined baking sheets (or you could use silicon mats) about 2” apart.

Using your thumb or a teaspoon measuring spoon, press each ball in the middle making a slight imprint. This will help the cookies flatten out.

Bake for 8 minutes.

Remove from oven and let cookies sit for 5 minutes.

In a small bowl add chocolate melting wafers. Melt chocolate in the microwave in 30 second bursts, stirring each time until the chocolate is completely melted.

Dunk each cookie in the chocolate (cover about half of the cookie) and place on parchment paper or spread some over the top of the cookie.

Sprinkle the chocolate dipped area with crushed peppermint candy.

Let the melted chocolate harden, then serve.

Enjoy! Happy Holidays!

Sharon Rosenblum adopted a Gluten Free and Whole Food lifestyle and is adept at modifying recipes to suit different dietary needs. A healthy approach to eating also serves her as an Empath and Intuitive. Eating “clean” foods brings clarity when working with her guides and spirit. Her joints are no longer achy or sore. Sharon is an Assistant Editor on our Star Nations Magazine Executive Staff and has her own editing business—The Feathering Quill. | fb: FeatheringQuillEdits