Ready To Start Our Advent Observation
My Advent Log
The Advent log ready for the white candles.
Our Tradition
Every year we buy a new set of candles to light for our Advent devotionals.
The photo above shows my log set up on the piano, since we no longer have a mantle. I always liked to line it with aluminum foil and decorate with “Angel hair” spun glass, because they help make it fire resistant.
While many people have Advent wreaths, we have a little different way of celebrating.
We have an Advent Log. Learn about both ways of observing the Advent season on this page.
Christmas Celebrations
You have heard of the Yule log, and most likely know about Advent wreaths, but ever since our children were little we have had the tradition of the Advent log along with attempted devotionals for each day of the season leading to Christmas Day. Now our grandchildren join us, as well as guests visiting at that time of the evening.
Advent Candles Light Up Our Christmas Log
It began many years ago, perhaps thirty eight or so years in the past when our family was still new and small and my husband and I were trying to forge some Christmas traditions of our own. I was perusing the local Christian book store and came across some small booklets on Advent celebrations.
It was something my mother had done… putting a pretty wreath with the four candles on our dining room table, taking us to special preparatory gatherings at our Presbyterian church, and I always found it added so much to the meaningfulness of the holidays.
A Book Of Celebration Ideas
So, I bought the booklet of devotional ideas and came home with it. Inside was a novel idea of creating a log with enough candles to light for each one of the days of this preparatory season, ranging from 22 to 28 days.
My husband and I liked the idea and found just the right size: a Mulberry tree that needed removal growing along the fence bordering the alley. Voila! Our log was procured.
It was quite a long log, but in the house we rented was a fireplace mantle that was long enough to hold it. In our first year we set it up on the mantle filled with the many candles! It brought a literal and spiritual glow to our entire holiday. From that time out, it centered our holiday usually with all white candles, but we also chose other colors in some years.
Through the years, one characteristic remained important: the quality of the candles. Better quality prevents unpleasant smoke, drips, and other side effects of cheaper types (which, I have tried and rued afterwards).
American Made Root Candles
Root Unscented Arista Timberline Dinner Candles, 12-Inch Tall, Box of 12, Ivory
When burning so many candles, it makes a real difference to have good quality ones. There are other high quality American candles, but I like Root brand tapers. Root candles are made here in Ohio and they are beautiful. Good burn time, wonderful selection of colors, and these are beeswax enriched. The ivory color is soft and gives a refined look that matches the winter white of my dining room. But this is not the only color offered in this fine set of tapers!
I also like Swedish made tapers for their good burning qualities, and became very appreciative of Scandinavian made candles when I visited Denmark some years ago. I like their uniform burn, and the creamy white color, but they can be hard to find. Besides, the idea of buying and supporting American business appeals to me. This is a great reason to buy the Root brand of candles.
Colonial Candle Classic Tapers, 10-Inch, Ivory
Colonial candles are another great choice we have used in some years. I always buy two boxes to cover all the days of Advent.
Christmas Preparations
Prepare early for Christmas, and take out the stress of a very busy season. Especially when implementing new traditions, give yourself time to gather the materials, read directions, schedule time for any activities that are part of the observance.
Annual Family Traditions
We grew as a family and many of our own rituals grew along with us, and sometimes were outgrown by us. The log filled with candles has been a constant every year. It has drawn us all together and given a spiritual anchor to our Christmas season.
If you would like to read more on this tradition of ours I have written of it on my blog devoted to this time of year, it is a compilation of devotions, songs, and activities for each day of the season.
Devotional Ideas
Photo by Rachel Tayse
One year the theme was the Jesse Tree, another years centered on the Promises of God. This year I took the topic “As a little child”as the central thought for the meditations and activities. We are well into our celebration of Advent and our Christmas preparations, but you are welcome to join me by reading the blog. Visit my Advent blog for some seasonal inspiration.
Candles: Hope, Love, Joy, Peace, Christ
Wreaths, Logs, Or…
What Is Your Family Tradition?
These are alternative ways to celebrate Advent. Many people love to combine the different types of marking the days, or weeks.
Our family, instigated by me, does them all: an Advent calendar, the candles, setting up a nativity scene.These family traditions came from my love of Christmas, and having holiday rituals have made the days of Advent more meaningful through the years. It has become a welcome respite for the hectic busyness that used to be such a large part of the holiday season for me.
Now, creating the devotionals, setting up the log, candles and nativity set, decorating the house… it all weaves together in a way that lifts my soul towards the Savior who came to earth so long ago that Christmas Eve.
HOW ABOUT YOU?
Not everyone has time for a set apart time everyday, but the traditional observation of each Sunday previous to Christmas creates a sense of holy meaning.
One candle for each Sunday leading to Christmas is the customary ritual for observing the season.
Pewter Celtic Advent WreathPewter Celtic Advent Wreath
Loving all things Celtic, there is a special place for a keepsake like this. I like taking out the special holiday candle holders, advent candles and adding a new layer of memories each season.
