Candles

This week there was a candle lighter in my box. Think of all the special occasions when our children see candles: family dinners, birthday cakes, the candles in our jack-o-laterns and of course, the candles in church. In the chapel I lead each week for our two-year-olds, their favorite part is when I light the candle at the beginning, and when we count to three to blow it out at the end. Each week I remind the children that we light the candle to remind us of the light of God that is shining within us, but that even when we blow it out, God's love surrounds us just as the smoke from the candle fills the room.

During advent, many families make an advent wreath with candles to light each week to remind us of the importance of preparing our hearts for the birst of Christ. In our family we use the advent wreath as a way to force us to slow down, enjoy a family dinner at the dining room table and share time with one another. What are your family traditions this advent? Take some time to light a candle and remember that God's light is always there for you.