Light Up Your Own Corner of the World
December 25, 2024
“A single candle can light a thousand more without diminishing itself.”
~ Hillel the Elder
Happy season of light!
A few days ago, for those of us north of the equator, the Winter Solstice marked the shortest day of the year. Although this first day of winter is the time of year when darkness is at its peak and light appears to be at its shortest supply, it actually marks the moment when visible light begins to increase, more each day until the longest and brightest day of Summer Solstice.
Today marks the first day of the Twelve Days of Christmas. These 12 days represent the journey of the Magi, also known as the Wise Men, in following the light given by the Star of Bethlehem to visit the newly born Jesus.
This particular December 25 also celebrates the first day of Chanukah, the Festival of Lights. The story of Chanukah tells of a single day’s supply of oil that miraculously lasted for eight days, illustrating how the source of light is actually more powerful and bountiful and plentiful than a human’s limited perspective could imagine.
Too often light, in its many forms, can appear as if it is in short supply, as if it is disappearing.
When darkness and ignorance and discord appear to be increasing, remember that the Light is never truly extinguished.
Keep the awareness in your heart that the day of the longest night actually begins the journey towards the longest day, towards the peak of illumination.
Remember that the spark of light given by a single star can guide you on a path to new beginnings.
Keep the vision of a single candle flame within your heart, kept glowing by a limitless love. All you have to do is to light up your own little corner of the world.
And if that light in your heart is currently feeling a bit dim, this short video of shelter dogs choosing their own toys on “Santa Paws Day” should provide an ample spark:
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Chocolate Peanut Butter Pancakes bring a delicious spark to a winter day (or any day, for that matter).
Chocolate Peanut Butter Pancakes
These are super-satisfying and yummy. I recommend using room temperature peanut butter.
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 large egg
3 tablespoons organic sugar
3/4 cup chunky unsalted natural peanut butter (stirred)
2 tablespoons butter, melted and cooled
(plus about 4 tablespoons butter to cook pancakes)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 & 1/2 cups whole milk (plus more if desired)
1 cup chocolate chips or chunks
Chocolate Maple Syrup (recipe follows)
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
In another bowl, beat egg and sugar together. Mix in peanut butter, then butter, then vanilla, then milk.
Add wet ingredients into bowl with dry ingredients. Mix well. Fold in chocolate chips.
Heat a lightly buttered nonstick griddle or skillet over medium heat.
Pour 1/4 cup of the batter into a circle shape and cook until bubbles begin to pop over the surface (2 to 3 minutes). Flip pancake and cook about a minute or two more on the other side. Continue with the remainder of the batter, adding more butter to pan as needed.
If you desire thinner pancakes, you can add a little bit more milk to the batter.
Serve warm with butter and Chocolate Maple Syrup (recipe below)
Makes about 12 pancakes
Chocolate Maple Syrup
1 cup of chocolate chips or chunks
3/4 cup organic real maple syrup
Heat chocolate and syrup in a small heavy saucepan over low heat. Stir until smooth.
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