Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:6-7 (NIV) – “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.  But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.”

Message: The Lighting of the Candle in the window started as an Irish tradition during Christmas time.  From 1691-1778, the British Government created many brutally oppressive laws, known as the Penal Laws of Ireland, targeting Catholics in an attempt to squash their religion and force the Irish to obey British Rule.  Priests were not allowed to practice their faith and were ordered to leave the country, so they went into hiding.  During Christmas time, Irish Catholics would light a candle in the window and leave the door unlocked, allowing priests to slip into their home safely to say Mass.  When the British questioned the Irish about the candles, they said that it was a way to welcome Joseph, Mary, and the Baby Jesus during Christmas time.

Over time, it became a beacon of hope for any passerby.  The lit candle signaled to strangers that there would be food and shelter should they choose to ask.  It also became a hope that Mary and other saints would pass by their home and bless it.

Following the Irish tradition, it was a beacon of safety and refuge.  It was also a beacon to neighbors as homes were often very far apart.  The light shining in the window lit the way for visitors as they traveled.  Today the tradition continues with many of us still lighting a candle in the window during the celebration of Christmas, inviting Jesus into our hearts and our home.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the light sent to us with the birth of Your son Jesus Christ.  Help us to remember that His sweet love for us is more powerful than any darkness we might encounter.  It is in His name we pray.  Amen.

Ann Gile