Center for Catholic Education at UD

By Emma Grace Geckle

As Catholics, we are very familiar with the season of Advent: The purple candles, and that one pop of pink. The trees, lights, and nativity scenes everywhere. The season of waiting and preparing our hearts and homes for the coming of Christ. However, we aren’t the only ones with these seasons of expectation and renewal. Let’s take a look at how Muslims and Jews celebrate their periods of faith, hope, joy, and love.

Islam: Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr which marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan.  Eid is a three day celebration in which Muslims practice charity, faith, and love of friends and family. When American Muslims are asked about this holiday, they say “It’s like our Christmas.” Like our Christmas services or masses, Muslims have a call to prayer in which neighbors and friends pray in the streets and in community with one another. Children sing songs and dress in bright colors and share with one another the gifts they have received. For Muslims, Eid is about community and expressing their foundational values of empathy for the poor, charity, worship, steadfastness, and patience. Eid Al Fitr will be celebrated next beginning on June 4, 2019.

Judaism:  During the eight-day celebration of Hanukkah, Jews continue to wait and prepare for the arrival of the Messiah and celebrate their Festival of Lights. This year, 2018, Hanukkah and Advent actually began on the same date (December 2). Hanukkah, much like advent and Christmas, is a time of both waiting and giving. During each of the eight nights of Hanukkah, it is not unusual for there to be an exchange of gifts among family. The Jewish people participate in prayer and deep reflection on how they can prepare themselves for the coming of the Messiah. Their prayers include the Jewish “Kaddish,” which is much like the Christian “Our Father,” both of which express the hope of the coming of the Kingdom of God.

As we go about the busyness of Christmas preparations, let us remember to spend time reflecting on our blessings and have gratitude for all the people in our lives and all that God has given to us. May we grow in our understanding and love towards our Jewish and Muslim brothers and sisters. During this season of hope, let us pray for peace on earth. Shalom, Peace, Salaam!

“I, then, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, striving to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace: one body and one Spirit, as you were also called to the one hope of your call...one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”  (Ephesians 4:1-4)