'Light A Candle'
This holiday season, I miss our son, Tyler. It has been different around our home with his absence. We love to receive letter from him hearing about his new adventures and challenges serving the people of Wisconsin, and we have felt the guiding hand of our Heavenly Father stronger than ever in our home as we have received blessings in abundance from Tyler's faithful service, but...... I miss him. The kids debated, do we put up his ornaments on the tree this year where daily we are reminded that he isn't here, or do we leave them in the box? Will he have a good Christmas away from home? Will he get our gifts in time? Will a family out there welcome him into their home on Christmas day? Will he know that we are so grateful he is where he is, but that we miss him terribly?
As I have been processing these new feelings and working through the growing pains that come with change, I found myself touched by an article I read in a holiday magazine. It shared the story of the 'Candle in the Window.' I have seen candles lit in windows during the holidays before. I love the glow of the flickering fire, but I never knew the story behind it. I now know, it was sent to me to help ease the longing and worrying of a mother for a child this holiday season.
During ancient winters, you would often find a Candle lit in the window as a reminder that winder would end and spring would soon come. The lit candle was once a symbol of the star of Bethlehem in the Middle ages. but the story of the candle goes beyond that and it even goes beyond the Holidays. A candle in the window of a home in Ireland signaled to others that this was a home of believers. In Russia, a lit candle means that visitors are always welcome. And for others around the world, it symbolizes loyalty to loved ones who are far away. It serves s a beacon to guide them home.
When I read this, my heart found peace. I ordered a candle for my window, turned on it's brilliant, yet gentle light and placed it in my window. It's light has come to symbolize so much for me over the last few weeks. Yes, I lit it thinking of my son so many miles away. A reminder that he is safe and will find his way home. But, it has come to symbolize so much more for me. I keep that candle lie as a reminder of the star that led the wise-men to our Savior so many years ago. A single light, a constant light. It reminds me why I get up each day and do what I do before I crawl in bed exhausted at night to get up and go it all over again. It symbolizes love. A love from my Heavenly Father and a reminder that He is a constant in my life. That not just at Christmas, but all year long, He is with me, guiding me, encouraging me and helping me make choices that will guide me home. He is a light in my life. A candle lit in Heavens window. A single light, a constant light.
This holiday, may you find that same light in your home. Whether it be through a candle in your window, a star atop your Christmas tree, reading the story of the birth of the Christ child, or hearing the laughter of loved ones in your home. Maybe that light will come through memories of a loved one who won't be with your this Holiday season, or through music, dancing and singing. Whatever it may be, my prayer is that you will seen after that light. That you will allow it to fill your heart and bring peace to your soul, for indeed we are a blessed people. We have been given the light, a beacon, to guide us home. A single light, a constant light.
May you and your loved ones know of the love that we have for you and your families this holiday season. And may you see the light in our window and know that you are always welcome.
Merry Christmas with Love and Light,
The Riggs Family
Brannick, Juli, Tyler, Parker, Saskya, Canyon and (soon to arrive) Savannah
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