"At this time of year, when the sun is most hidden, the holiday of Hanukkah celebrates the rays of hope and light.  Indeed, the physical darkness of this time of year can be a metaphor for the darkness that often envelopes us at times of illness and loss of a loved one, when the world sometimes feels dark and cold.  At such times, we yearn for the sun, and the light and warmth that it provides.  Often, it is through simple and unrecognized miracles that we are able to feel the warmth of hope and light." 
Rabbi Rafael Goldstein