Article December 16, 2013 Issue

'The light of the world'

Doreen McClurg

When our children were very young, we read the Christmas nativity story from picture books, then from the Bible. Later, when the girls brought friends home for the holidays, including those with faith traditions that were different from our own, we welcomed the opportunity to broaden the scope of our celebrations. We found new ways that were both respectful and inclusive to recognize and acknowledge the true meaning of Christmas.

One mid-December a few years ago, I came across an article I had saved in my Christmas files. It told of a family and their friends who gathered in a large room during their Christmas celebrations, turned off the lights, and handed out unlit candles. In turn, they were invited to share with the group something they were grateful for, after which they could light their candle. This feast of good thoughts went on until the whole room was illuminated (“A gathering of light,” Sarah C. Nelson, Sentinel, December 23, 2002).

I loved this idea! It seemed a perfect way to include even our youngest grandchild in thoughtfully acknowledging the meaning of Christmas. This candlelight expression of gratitude has now become a tradition in our family, along with the gift-giving, special meals, and decorating. When we light our candles, we talk about Jesus’ saying, “Ye are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14), and how he proved to be the greatest example of that light.

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