When I was young on Christmas Eve when I went to bed only three things were in the house to remind me of Christmas. A basket with cards, a wreath on the door, and a Bayberry candle burning in the window. When I woke up the next morning there was a Christmas tree, a nativity cresh, trains with a village on the platform, presents under the tree and all the things we looked forward to each Christmas. (My father and mother deserve a medal for all they did each Christmas Eve to make our Christmas special.) As I grew older I asked my mother about the Bayberry Candle. She told me it was a light to welcome the Christ child into our home. Later I learned the legend had it that the Bay Tree gave shelter to the holy family during a storm. Therefore, lightning is said to never strike it. According to a common American tradition a bayberry candle burned all the way down to the nub on Christmas Eve brings good luck for the coming year. “A bayberry candle burned to the socket brings food to the larder and gold to the pocket”
On this Christmas Eve as I light the Bayberry candle it will be to share with you – a welcome to join me on the path, a trust that you will find shelter from life’s storms, and good luck, and prosperity during the coming year
The Pilgrim
For the New Year
Remember the four simple rules to be happy: