The Candle Light Ceremony

The scene as we left the Candle Light Ceremony at my grandson’s school last night. Grades 3 and 7 took part last night, other grades will do their own Candle Light Ceremony through the week. Kindergarten, my other grandson’s class, will be on Sunday evening.

A circular outdoor space is illuminated with a spiral pattern of candles, surrounded by empty chairs and few people sitting, creating a serene nighttime scene.

It was a peaceful, meditative evening, recognizing the shortening days, the external darkness and the light within each of us, particularly the children taking part.

Each child and young person walked the spiral individually, lit a candle and walked out, placing a candle on the edge of the spiral wherever they chose to. Light Christmas music, supplied by a violinist and guitar player, accompanied the children. Families sat in silence, just observing. No cell phones, no cameras, no videos, no clapping. At the end we sung a verse of Silent Night together, and then hummed a subsequent verse as we left.

This was a beautiful way to end the day. I left for the event frustrated at a job that hadn’t gone well that day. I dropped into the silence, simpleness and beauty of the ceremony. It brought me to a place of quiet and appreciation of the time of year that we now find ourselves in. I could even find the joy within me.

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