light of the world
All through the Bible, we read about light. God created light to rule the day. Jesus came to bring light to the world - the people who lived in darkness have seen a great light! Jesus tells us that we are to be salt and light in the world. Light is a symbol, something that reminds us of God and of who we are to be. We are to reflect God’s light into the darkest corners of the world. As your family begins this new year, a Christ candle can serve as a simple reminder of God’s light.
Read It
John 8:12
Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” -NRSV
John 8:12
Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” -NRSV
Do It
Make a Christ Candle.
1. Gather Supplies:
*White pillar candle (at least 51% beeswax)
*Carving tools (knife, straight pins)
*Oil paint
*Small beads or sequins (optional)
2. As a family, choose a few symbols you want to include in your Christ candle. Some ideas:
*Cross
*Dove
*Alpha and Omega (beginning and end)
*Chi Rho
*Icthus
3. Carve the symbols
4. Paint with the oil paints
5. If you want, use melted wax to fasten beads or sequins into shapes to create a mosaic
6. Use it! Light your candle regularly, choosing a time that works well for your family. If you do a weekly Sabbath meal (link to that practice), use this as the candle you light for it. Eat by the light of the Christ candle for a certain meal every week. Light it daily during breakfast. Use it as part of your bedtime routine, lighting when you say a prayer with your child(ren) each night. Whatever you choose, let this be a light that centers and guides your year as a family.
Make a Christ Candle.
1. Gather Supplies:
*White pillar candle (at least 51% beeswax)
*Carving tools (knife, straight pins)
*Oil paint
*Small beads or sequins (optional)
2. As a family, choose a few symbols you want to include in your Christ candle. Some ideas:
*Cross
*Dove
*Alpha and Omega (beginning and end)
*Chi Rho
*Icthus
3. Carve the symbols
4. Paint with the oil paints
5. If you want, use melted wax to fasten beads or sequins into shapes to create a mosaic
6. Use it! Light your candle regularly, choosing a time that works well for your family. If you do a weekly Sabbath meal (link to that practice), use this as the candle you light for it. Eat by the light of the Christ candle for a certain meal every week. Light it daily during breakfast. Use it as part of your bedtime routine, lighting when you say a prayer with your child(ren) each night. Whatever you choose, let this be a light that centers and guides your year as a family.
Pray It
God, you are our light. Help us remember to reflect your light to those who need hope, who need love, and who need comfort. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
God, you are our light. Help us remember to reflect your light to those who need hope, who need love, and who need comfort. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Extras
A few other takes on creating Christ candles, these center on Easter:
https://liturgicalyear.wordpress.com/2010/04/06/keeping-easter-alive-make-a-paschal-candle-for-home/
http://www.domestic-church.com/CONTENT.DCC/19980301/FRIDGE/PASCHAL.HTM
An excellent book telling the story of Jesus’ birth, life and death: http://www.arthuralevinebooks.com/book.asp?bookid=135
A few other takes on creating Christ candles, these center on Easter:
https://liturgicalyear.wordpress.com/2010/04/06/keeping-easter-alive-make-a-paschal-candle-for-home/
http://www.domestic-church.com/CONTENT.DCC/19980301/FRIDGE/PASCHAL.HTM
An excellent book telling the story of Jesus’ birth, life and death: http://www.arthuralevinebooks.com/book.asp?bookid=135