Advent Week 1: Shine the Light of Hope

by Rev Beth Nicholls

Recently I was asked to run a candle making workshop for a women and girls’ group, who just wanted to make candles for themselves and for gifts.

One of the things with candle making is that preparation is key. Getting all the equipment together. Deciding on the size of candles to make. Are the candles free standing or in containers? Then what size containers? What size wick is best? What kind of wax - is it paraffin or soy, and how much wax is needed? What additives are needed such as colour, scent and hardener? And then there is organising the space - for melting, pouring and creating. Plus doing all the safety compliance! Without the preparation it is difficult to make a candle successfully, but preparation is part of the hope in the craft and knowing it will go well.

We gathered for the workshop with all the equipment and space organised. The decision was to make soy candles in containers with the choice of a couple of colours and scents. Still, there was more preparation to do to make the candles. The next challenge was helping individuals choose their containers, candle colour and kind of scent, then helping them to prepare the container and wick mounting.

At last, we were ready to pour the hot wax, at the right temperature. The group made some beautiful and interesting smelling candles that would make lovely gifts to bring joy to the receiver and the candlemaker. Plus, the group had so much fun together creating candles.

The other thing about candles is that it ultimately is all about the light shining. When you light a candle there is no recognition of the work it took to make the candle, the important thing is the light that shines. The hope in what was created is fulfilled.

In this time of advent there is much preparation to be done to receive the promised one – Jesus. Isaiah 2 reminds us of the promise that will come so we can walk in the light of the Lord. Psalm 122 reminds us to pray for peace. Romans 13:11-14 urges us to put aside those things that hold us back and to clothe ourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ. Matthew 24:36-44 calls us to be future-ready. So there is work to do to prepare for the joy that is to come. May you work in hope as you prepare, this advent season, for the light of Christ to shine brightly in our world.