Saturday, December 6, 2008

Christmas Cake


This year we have introduced an advent wreath as part of our holiday traditions. For the uninitiated, this (at least ours) is a ring of four candles, and each Sunday for the four weeks leading up to Christmas, you light the candle(s) from the prevous week and the next candle. The idea is that by the week of Christmas you have all four candles burning.

We have a beautiful Advent wreath that we got from Tom's mother. So this year we got it out, and last week we lit the first candle after Sunday dinner and talked with the boys about what the Christmas season is all about. We also discussed things we are thankful for. I was winging it as I hadn't found an Advent tradition that the boys would sit through. I mean, reading bible verses to our boys wouldn't resonate. In fact, I wasn't sure if anything had registered.

So on Saturday at dinner, Nile was begging to light the candles again. (Have I mentioned our children's obsession with fire? See my post from November 9).

I asked Nate if he remembered what the candles were for. They are for Christmas." I'm thinking, hey, he remembers something! Then I asked him what it would mean when all four candles are lit. "It will be Jesus's birthday." Even better... So I remind him that Christmas Day is Jesus's birthday. Slightly confused, he thinks for a moment. "Will we have birthday cake?"

I know that he's not the first kid to say this, but Tom and I were rolling on the floor laughing. (figuratively, for you literal types...)

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