The Advent Wreath
The Candle of Christmas Eve
(Christ’s Candle)
The Christmas Eve candle symbolises the birth of Christ, the fulfillment of God’s promise to humanity. We recognise Jesus as the true light of the world, who came to dwell among us. This sacred moment invites us to celebrate his nativity and to open our hearts to his light and love, transforming our lives and the world around us.
Pope Francis notes: God, in the Christmas mystery, reveals Godself not as one who remains on high and dominates the universe, but as the one who bends down, descends to the little and poor earth, it means that, to be like God, we should… place ourselves at the service of others, become small with the small and poor with the poor (Pope Francis, The Birth of Jesus Homily, 18/12/13).
To God we can bring the joys and the hopes, the sorrows and troubles which are part of our lives. When Jesus is the centre, light shines even amid the darkest times of our lives; God gives us hope (Pope Francis, King of the Universe Homily, 24/11/13).
Reflection:
What is your prayer for Christmas this year?
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.”
(John 8:12).
