The Tradition of the Christmas Candle
The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt
in a land of deep darkness, on them has the light shined ~ Isaiah
9:2
Long before the celebration of Christmas, candles were used to signify
Christ as the light of the world. In medieval times there was a legend, which
said that on Christmas Eve the Christ Child wandered throughout the world,
looking for places where he would be welcomed. Those who loved Him, hoping that
He might find their homes, placed lighted candles in the window to invite Him
in.
No one, of course, knew for sure how he might appear. Perhaps he would come
dressed in the rags of a beggar, or he might
come as a poor and lonely child.
Might he come in the form of a disabled person who was put out to roam the
streets of the city or the lonely footpaths of the countryside?
So it became customary for devout Christians to welcome into their homes all
who knocked at their doors on Christmas Eve. To turn away may have meant the
rejection of the Christ Child, who had come in an unfamiliar garb.
During the Advent season we remember that the Christ Child is wandering
along our streets, looking for homes where he will be given warmth and shelter.
The candles in the windows of homes and churches symbolize to all of our
community that Christ is our guest. Here is a place where there is room in our
hearts for him.
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