A Christmas Candle

For SOFT Children

 

 

 

Christmas is an annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, observed on December 25 as a religious celebration among billions of Christians around the world

The traditional Christmas narrative, the Nativity of Jesus, portrayed in the New Testament says that Jesus was born in Bethlehem, as per prophecies. When Joseph and Mary arrived in the city, the inn had no room and so they were offered a stable where the Christ Child was soon born, with angels proclaiming this news to shepherds who then spread the word.

Christmas a feast celebrating the birth of Jesus, has evolved into a worldwide religious and secular celebration, incorporating many pre-Christian and even pagan traditions into the festivities.

On Christmas Eve placing a single candle in the window was lighting the way for Mary and Joseph on their way to find the stable in Bethlehem. The candle lighting ritual signaled Christmas had finally arrived.

The origins of lighting a candle in the window trace back to the 17th Century at the time of the Penal Laws in Ireland when the Catholic religion was suppressed.

Catholic churches were outlawed and priests hid in fear of their lives. They secretly said mass at secluded venues known as Mass Rocks. Priests often visited homes in secrecy to bless a family and to say Mass.

By lighting a candle in the window they signaled to any passing priest that this was a Catholic home. The doors were unlocked allowing a priest to enter silently to join the family in prayer and say mass for Christmas.

Light a candle at Christmas!

Advent

Advent, (from Latin adventus, “coming”), in the Christian church calendar, the period of preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas In Western churches, Advent begins on the Sunday nearest to November 30

For Christians, Advent is the period of four weeks before Christmas.

The candles also have their own special significance. The four candles represent the four weeks of Advent, and one candle is lit each Sunday. Three of the candles are purple because the color violet is a liturgical color that signifies a time of prayer, penance, and sacrifice.

The four traditional advent themes for the four advent Sundays are

The Candle of Hope. Hope is like a light shining in a dark place. …

The Candle of Love. … and  is the greatest of all the virtues

The Candle of Joy. … in anticipation for Christmas 

The Candle of Peace. … Peace on Earth, Good Will

Candles are full of symbolism for the Christmas season and four candles represent the four weeks of Advent, and one candle is lit each Sunday. Three of the candles are purple because the colour violet is a liturgical colour that signifies a time of prayer, penance, and sacrifice.

The first candle, which is purple, symbolizes hope

The second candle, also purple, represents faith.

The third candle is pink and symbolizes joy and faith

The fourth candle symbolizes peace

Christmas Candle for all S.O.F.T. Children

 

Light a Christmas Candle

for all S.O.F.T. Children

♥♥♥   Merry Christmas   ♥♥♥

Christmas is a time for remembrance

A Candle is being lit for all S.O.F.T. Children both living and deceased on Christmas Eve.