The best miracles could be the ones we make ourselves, every day of the year – United Hebrew Congregation Terre Haute

December is a month steeped in the stories and expectations of miracles.

Across different faiths and cultures, this season is the time when we remember powerful acts of divine intervention, from the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days during Hanukkah to the Christian belief in the miraculous birth of Jesus.

These ancient stories serve as anchors, reminding us of the extraordinary ways the divine intersects with the ordinary world.

But miracles are not just events locked in history books. They happen every day, often hiding in plain sight, waiting for us to open our eyes and our hearts to recognize them.

But miracles are not just events locked in history books. They happen every day, often hiding in plain sight, waiting for us to open our eyes and our hearts to recognize them.

A miracle can be the surprising moment of connection you share with a stranger, a sudden healing after a long illness, finding strength you didn’t know you possessed during a time of trial, or simply witnessing the stunning resilience of nature as it prepares for winter.

There are moments of grace that defy explanation, moments that restore our faith in the goodness and wonder of the universe.

Start with this list

This December, as we navigate the busy schedules and seasonal celebrations, let us challenge ourselves to look for these daily miracles.

• Practice Presence: Slow down and observe the world around you. The present moment is often where grace reveals itself most clearly.
• Seek Gratitude: A grateful heart is more attuned to recognizing blessings and wonders.
• Be the Miracle for Someone Else: Our own acts of kindness, generosity and compassion can be a miracle in the life of another person.

The greatest miracle might be the sense of community we share right here in our Temple.

The greatest miracle might be the sense of community we share right here in our Temple. The fact that we gather week after week, supporting one another through life’s joys and sorrows, is a testament to the enduring power of faith and fellowship.

May this December be a time when we not only celebrate the miracles of the past but actively seek and cherish the new ones unfolding all around us.

Scott Skillman is president of United Hebrew Congregation.