Advent Week 2

The lighting of the candles in the Advent Wreath has been a long-standing tradition within many churches and homes. It began in the sixteenth century in Europe, yet it is less than 100 years old in North America. I did not experience it myself until recently, when I worked in a church which lit a candle on each of the four Sundays leading up to Christmas. This year I gave a wreath to my son and his wife, along with an adapted "advent practices" calendar for each day, and I set up a wreath in our own home for the first time.

The wreath's circle is a symbol of eternal life, and like the circle of a wedding band, reminds Christians of God's endless love and mercy. The evergreen leaves represent the hope of eternal life brought by Jesus Christ. The candles symbolize the light of God coming into the world through the birth of Jesus Christ. Various colours have been used for the candles throughout the centuries but each one represents four aspects of our faith to focus on in preparation for the second coming of Christ and also as a remembrance of his first coming as a baby.(1)

Week 1 candle represents hope, week 2 either faith or peace, week 3 is joy and week 4 is light.

As is the case with all symbols, they speak most loudly to remind us of God's promises of life when they are drawn directly out of our daily experience. Traditions and symbols are contemplative prompts which help refocus my mind and calm my heart. In this season, one is tempted to be swept away by the barrage of consumerism and excessive number of options for attending seasonally-themed events, programs and social gatherings.

Instead of becoming overwhelmed, I want to set aside time, using  prompts and symbols which return my focus to the One who is the Source of hope, faith, peace, joy, light and life.

Today I am reflecting on peace.

The second week of Advent we remember the gift of Peace we have in Christ. Peace is a gift that we must prepare for and work to preserve. God gives us the gift of peace when we turn to him in faith. 

Through John the Baptist and all the other prophets, God asks us to prepare the way of the Lord, whom the prophet Isaiah calls “the Prince of Peace.” As we light this candle today we look with hope for the day that Christ’s peace will reign in our hearts, in our homes, in our communities, and in our world. As we light this candle, we are reminded to work for that peace of Christ to come and take root in us. (2)

As we light the first candle for hope and today's candle for peace, we share with each other how we have experienced peace recently.

Loving God, we thank you for the gift of peace you give us through Jesus. Help us prepare our hearts for the Lord’s coming by working for Christ’s peace to take root in our family. We ask this in the name of the one born in Bethlehem, Jesus our Lord. (2)

Consider sharing your thoughts on peace today with your family members, and/or in the comments section. May peace be yours is great abundance today!








(1)  Geddes, Gordon; Griffiths, Jane (2002). Christian Belief and Practice. Heinemann. p. 97. 
(2)  Advent Week Prayers, downloadable PDF (adapted)
(3)  Other resources: Wikipedia and Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Christmas Traditions: Edible Holly

Sometime in the early '90s, at a Christmas fundraiser for charity put on by our department in Nova Corporation, one of my colleagues introduced me to this amazingly delectable treat. It's been part of my annual tradition ever since. I'm not all that fond of baking, so this one is a no-bake, high reward choice to satisfy one's sweet tooth and give a bright, visual appeal.

I've taken these to parties and they disappear fast. Although at one party, some thought they were just decoration and didn't eat them until I explained they were edible. A personal favorite of mine! Similar candy coating as what is used in marshmallow Rice Krispie treats, but a more buttery flavor.

Edible Christmas Holly 

1/2 cup butter
31 marshmallows (regular size, not jumbo. I recommend Kraft Brand for consistency)
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 teaspoons green food colouring
4 cups corn flakes
Red hots or cinnamon hearts (available at Bulk Barn or saved from Valentine's Day)

Instructions: 

1. Melt butter and marshmallows slowly over low heat, stirring often.
2. When fully melted, remove from heat.
3. Stir in vanilla and green food colouring until well mixed and green color is evenly distributed. 
4. Add cornflakes, turning and stirring until cornflakes are well coated and evenly colored by the marshmallow mixture. 
5. Working quickly, drop by large spoonfuls onto wax or parchment paper. 
6. Before the candy sets, add a "clump" of three red hots to each cluster (simulating holly berries) 
7. Chill. 

Note: These are best if kept in the fridge and served cold as the clusters get too soft and sticky when left at room temperature.

Alternate Serving: After step 4, instead of making clusters, let mixture cool slightly, turn it out onto parchment paper and shape into a round wreath, using your hands (slightly buttered). Add clumps of three red hots around the circle. Add a decorative bow of ribbon or frosting. Chill, then slice to serve.