In this series, Amy shares her thoughts on simple practices for the season of Advent. If you missed the first post, you can find it here.

Candlelight is a beautiful thing. It can soften harsh light, offer a sense of warmth and comfort, and create an atmosphere of ease. Candles can also bring about a sense of sacredness and put one in mind of the holy. During Advent, candles are used to mark the weeks leading up to Christmas. In some traditions the candles are named Hope, Patience, Joy, and Love. In the Catholic tradition, a candle is kept burning at all times near the tabernacle signaling that the Holy Eucharist is within; in other words, Christ is present here.  Perhaps you could light a candle this Advent, before you think you need it, to remind yourself of God’s presence within you.  Maybe set out several of the flameless kind that keep glowing at all hours.  This way when you open your eyes in the morning, the light is there. When you walk into your home after work, the light is there.  When your house is a mess, your children melting down, your partner in need, and when you are at a loss, the flame is there. And when you settle onto your yoga mat, the candle burns brightly. Whether it is winter, spring, summer or autumn, the light will be there as a mirror, reflecting back to you your own flame, your divine spark, your Christ-light, because you, my friend, are a temple of God, a holy tabernacle, a home for Christ Jesus.  This Advent your life can become His nativity scene, your home His stable and your Heart his manger.