We'll Leave The Light On For You

Tonight the boys and I took our dog, Toby out for a walk around the neighborhood. We looked at all of the beautifully decorated houses. My favorites are the ones with a candle in each window. To me it looks as if they are awaiting a special visitor and are leaving the light on for them!

I have read that this tradition started in Ireland. The candles in windows are a symbolic gesture to those ancient travelers who could find no shelter that there is room for them and the coming child.

During the seventeenth century the British had control over Ireland and instated harsh laws hoping to eradicate Irish traditions. The Irishmen were not allowed to vote, send their children to school, buy land, or own expensive livestock. The Irish priests were sent out of Ireland and warned never to return.

On Christmas Eve the Irish families of faith placed a single candle in each of three windows, or three candles in one window to symbolize, Mary, Joseph and Jesus. The candles were lit for traveling priests to let them know the doors were unlocked and they were welcome to come eat and celebrate "Christ-mas."

Today the candles in the windows could symbolize our readiness for Jesus to enter our homes and live in our hearts.

Jesus is the light of the world that shines in the darkness. His light can not be extinguished no matter how many laws are instated to stop believers from gathering together. Such laws are no match for the Light of the World!

May our "light" so shine that people feel welcome and long to meet the Giver of Our Light, Jesus.

John 1:4-5 "The Word gave life to everything that was created and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it." NLT

John 9:5b Jesus said...."I am the light of the world."

Our middle child recently sang a song for the PTA , along with his class about candles and how they warm our hearts. He also had a small speaking part. He was visibly nervous but did a super job!

He is holding his candle!

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree!

Everywhere we go it seems there is a Christmas tree. I marvelled at the trees in the Bass Pro Shop, each one had a theme and was very elaborate. I thought about having the kids stand next to one of those and not even mention that it wasn't ours! You all already know those fancy one's just aren't our style!

Today we talked about trees and read a book my sister-in -law gave us, The Tale Of Three Trees. After reading the book we looked at our tree and thought of Christmas trees. Most are triangular in shape and could represent the trinity--Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Christmas tree is an evergreen, which could represent eternal life. My middle child noted that Jesus died for us on a tree. Again we discussed God's grace and mercy in giving us eternal life. We talked about how a tree stands tall pointing to God. May we stand tall and make certain our lives are pointing to God.

Dear God,

We are thankful for the many reminders of Your love all around us this Christmas season. May we stand tall like our tree and be a witness for Jesus. May we look upwards and direct our attention to You. May we open our hearts and arms to others with Your spirit of love. May we share this love with others who may not know You but who are longing for the life You give.

In Jesus Name,

Amen.

I Peter 2:24

"He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed."

Light One Candle For Hope

Our house is all a buzz with the excitement Christmas brings! Children full of excitement, energy and laughter! Our home is usually loud but today...it's very loud. Songs were sung at the tops of their voices! Huge belly laughs as they chased each other round and round our house. Christmas time is here and they are delighted!





We love tradition and have many little things we do every year. During Advent we have our devotion time right after dinner by candle light! Today the first candle was lit, the hope candle. Reminding us of the hope we have in Jesus. Jesus brings hope into the dark places of the world. By God's mercy through Jesus, we have been born anew to a living hope.



Dear God,



We look forward to Christmas with excitement and joy. Help us to take our time enjoying this wonderful time of praise and thanks to You. May we let go of the anxiety of busy schedules and full calendars. May we slow down so we can be attentive to Your whispers. Open us up to Your love that fills us with hope!



In Jesus Name,

Amen.





Titus 2:13

"Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ."



John 8:12

"When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life."



I Peter 1:3

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead."