“Our lighted candles are a sign of the divine splendor of the one who came to expel the dark shadows of evil and to make the whole universe radiant with the brilliance of his eternal light. Our candles also show how bright our souls should be when we go to meet Christ.” 🕯
January was hard. I didn’t mean to disappear but it was one thing after the next and I’ve been too overwhelmed to spend time online… I think we can maybe see the light at the end of this round of challenges… I was finally able to make it to Mass last night for the first time in nearly a month, and then back for Mass again this afternoon which was followed by the blessing of throats!
We arrived to the church 45 minutes early last night since our older girls are in the choir and had a pre-Mass practice… I loved overhearing our nine year old when he leaned over, while holding his Candlemas Candle with the drip plate, and whispered to his dad, “This looks just like the cookies we made this afternoon!”
Traditionally called Candlemas, candles are blessed on this day (February 2nd) to help us remember the words of holy Simeon who called the babe in his arms, “A light to lighten the gentiles and the glory of your people, Israel.” Luke 2: 32.
These
Candlemas Cookies with Drip Plates are a fun way to celebrate this feast with children!
“All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle.” ~ St. Francis of Assisi
Prayer of Mothers
Father in heaven, grant me the grace to appreciate the dignity which you have conferred on me. Let me realize that not even the Angels have been blessed with such a privilege—to share in your creative miracle and bring new Saints to heaven. Make me a good mother to all my children after the example of Mary, the Mother of your Son. Through the intercession of Jesus and Mary I ask your continued blessings on my family. Let us all be dedicated to your service on earth and attain the eternal happiness of your kingdom in heaven. Amen.
Jessica, I've been following your blog for over 10 years, since "Snuggles" was the baby. When you take a hiatus it's usually when the Cross has come home to embrace you. Glad to see you again. Am praying from New Jersey for your family.
2021-02-04 16:15:39
Beautiful pictures! Your children are growing up so fast! I have to admit, these pictures remind me our little grandson who proudly told me "I held the candle all by myself, and I didn't set anyone on fire!" 🙂
2021-02-04 16:25:57
I clicked the link to CC and oh, the photos…! How quickly kids grow up!
2021-02-04 16:44:17
Nice to hear from you. Love the pictures. You have a beautiful family. Joan
2021-02-04 20:43:41
What a lovely family you have Jessica! I am so sorry to hear you had a bad month, I will remember you and your family in our family rosary tonight. God Bless!
2021-02-04 21:43:31
Thank You for sharing the photos of Candlemas. The children are adorable. A beautiful family you have. Marion
2021-02-04 22:48:16
As usual Jessica, you have made everything for Candlemas special for the children. The children are beautiful and getting so big. God Bless. Marilyn
2021-02-05 00:38:45
Thank you so much! I wasn't very good at being thankful for the extra crosses and embracing them this year… Working harder at that now. We are always grateful for the extra prayers! And I can't believe that "Snuggles" in in the final stretch of 8th grade and will be in high school next year. The years are flying by!
2021-02-05 02:06:46
Aww, that is so sweet! I don't think my 2 year old can the same 😉 I just haven't figured out what part of my hair she burned at one point… I could just smell it!
2021-02-05 02:08:02
Oh I no! So so quickly! Three of those four little ones in that old post will be in college by fall, unless our oldest daughter decides on taking a gap year. She's applied and been accepted to a number of colleges, but we just aren't sure yet.
2021-02-05 02:10:43
Thank you, Joan! So grateful.
2021-02-05 02:10:59
Thank you! God bless you too!
2021-02-05 02:11:32
Thank you, Marion!
2021-02-05 02:11:59
I happened to purchase the cookie supplies in December while shopping for Christmas, my older girls took care of the rest this year, making the cookies with the little ones before Mass. It is so great to see them take on the traditions I started with them when they were little!
2021-02-05 02:12:58