""Because it's been so divisive for so long, we absolutely need times and traditions and words and symbols that bring us together for our common humanity, for the healing of the world, for the healing of our communities. We must find ways of coming together," Swanson said. "Unfortunately, religion has been used throughout the generations for an opposite thing: to divide us, to keep power, but that's not what it's about. I think the heart of each religion really is love.""
""I would encourage people to come and give it a chance," Swanson said. "Come and give it a chance to see how well world religions can work together when they try. Come find your own voice in the many voices that will present. Come find meaning in the symbols. Come to find hope in a time that can be a little dark right now.""
The Celebration of Light began in 2016 after political divisions arising from President Donald Trump's first term. Reverend Erik Swanson organized the event after noticing that many religions worldwide use light as a symbol for the divine. The Saratoga Ministerial Association is hosting an interfaith celebration Saturday at Blaney Plaza at 6 p.m. Four large symbols representing Islam, Christianity, Judaism, and Hinduism will be lit while choirs from Saratoga schools sing holiday songs. Religious leaders will explain the symbols, and Mayor Belal Aftab is expected to offer remarks. Swanson emphasized unity, healing, and hope over division.
Read at The Mercury News
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