dec20

December 20th 2015

What a wonderful start today,
but we fell off course.
I did get some more baking
and chocolate making done,
John finished his homemade gift,
and a lovely family dinner was eaten.

Such a busy time.
There never seems to be anyone
who is as interested as I am
in completing the things
I think are important
during the holidays.

We did FINALLY work out
all the 4 family plans for this year.

I am so exhausted I can barely move.

Thought for today: the candle in the window

Especially in pioneer days when neighbors were so far apart and people traveled in desolate country sides some people would put a candle in the window as a beacon for a weary traveler. 

Mothers or wives would put the candle in the window before their son or husband went to war and assure them it would be lit every night waiting for him to come home safe and sound. It was to show him he was much loved and not forgotten.

Candles were lit so it is said to symbolise the divine light that was believed to illuminate the world. Candles were meant to let Mary and Joseph know that they would be welcome in their homes.

A lit candle in the window during the period in Irish history when the Catholic religion was banned, was a signal that it was safe for a priest to come into a home to celebrate Mass.

In many ways, Christmas candles are a silent tribute to those people of all faiths, who, have faced persecution and who have remained loyal to their beliefs.


Good night from John Street