Advent Candles

A new tradition that we started this year is the Advent Candles. It's something Eric did every Christmas growing up and I have often admired my mother-in-law's candle holder. As a surprise this year, we received our very own in the mail right before the first Sunday of December. I love it!

Each Sunday we light a candle, read some scriptures, sing a song, and eat treats.

The first week we lit the Anticipation candle. We talked about the anticipation of the Christ Child, the prophecies that foretold his birth, and the excitement we feel as Christmas draws closer. Each week when we ask what the first candle is, Ashlyn always excitedly raises her hand. "It's the recipator", "It's the ancipatey", etc. She'll get it right one of these times! However she says it, she always knows what it means.

The second week is the Concern for Others candle. We talked about how we can serve and care for other people like the Savior did. I loved the ideas the kids came up with for ways that they can better love their fellowmen, especially at school. They're good kids.

The third week is the Light of the World candle or the Joy candle. We are so thankful for the light that Christ brings into our lives!

This week, the fourth week, was the Gifts for Christ candle. We talked about what gifts were given to the baby Jesus by everyone, not just the wisemen and what gifts we can give to Jesus now. It's a really great thing to ponder. Ashlyn was very quick to offer up our home.

Ian never lit a candle, but he did spend quite a bit of time trying to blow them out. He deserved a nose to the wall several times, but finally landed it when he pushed over my little tree. He's a stinker!

I'm thankful for the extra opportunities to talk about and ponder the birth and life of our Savior, and especially to teach my children of Him. What a wonderful season!