in the new canon even the crystals inside [the lightsabers] have gone from simple rocks to living crystals with force-related powers.
…Really?
Kyber crystals in the new canon are described as having organic properties, and are connected to the Force. So a crystal and a Force-user can be drawn together, almost like magnets. Honestly this isn’t really a stretch from what has been established, Yoda says the Force can flow through people, plants, even rocks.