We’re in a new city this year, so we are going to have to rely on technology to help us keep one Minnesota Christmas Eve tradition alive. Ryan’s parents started this very special reading of the Christmas story two years ago, and on Saturday night we are going to throw Skype on our TV to try to keep it going…
Ryan’s dad starts by reading the Christmas story in the dark…
Each time a new character (angels, shepherds, Joseph & Mary, Jesus) is mentioned, he lights a candle…
Until the room becomes brighter…
And then, as the story continues and everyone goes home, the candles get put out…
Until just one remains…
By this point all the adults are crying (except me because I’m the family stone) and we ask the kids to tell us why Jesus’ candle is the only one still lit. When Evan was three, he delivered the best response:
“Because Papa didn’t snuff it out.”
***
Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”
John 8:12