We all have images of Christmas that we think describe what Christmas is. Some say they like making vows to lose weight after the holidays, which they quickly break after a month or so. Others see trees beautifully decorated, Santa Claus coming down the chimney leaving gifts under those trees, caroling around the neighborhoods, family gatherings and telling old stories about members of those families, building snowmen and snow ball fights, and Creches depicting Mary and Joseph smiling at Jesus while the animals, Wise Men, and angels praise His holy name. 2021 added challenges with COVID, families mourning losses, and many people trying to keep a roof over their heads in the middle of a struggling economy and politics as usual.
These challenges are why Christ came in a very specific time, to a very specific place, and to a very specific people. We need to look to the Christ Child for our strength and to realize He became flesh and lived among us so that we could understand God and follow Him. Christ continues to come and live among us so that hope remains in us to face these very difficult times. God is with us even in our suffering, and He comes so that we are not overcome by despair.
Why do we light candles at Christmas? Every lit candle is joy despite our sadness. Every lit candle is hope for a better future even as our present times are filled with difficult decisions. Every lit candle is courage to fight against our fears. Every lit candle is peace to survive our troubled days. Every lit candle is grace to ease our heavy burdens. Every lit candle is love to inspire all of us, no matter what race, creed, religion, or ethnicity we are. We light candles throughout the year so that we may feel the spirit of Christmas in our souls.
As for me, I light a candle every day so that I may feel Christ’s presence in my home. Many times, I light three candles for the Holy Trinity: the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Christmas is the one time during the year when I feel closest to my loved ones who have gone before me. Joy, hope, courage, peace, grace, and love call to everyone out in the world who feels alone. When the season ends, I keep one candle lit in one window through the end of January so that all will know that Christ lives in my home. They are welcome to knock at my door for I am “my brother’s keeper.” Even in these difficult times when so many people feel isolated and unloved, I offer a cup of tea and a warm bed. When you see that one candle, you will know that love reigns here as does my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Anna Hartt
