Using What’s in Our Hands
When Andy first felt God say, “Use what is in your hand,” he leaned into his gift of music. As a keyboard player, composer, and music director, he started the Community Choirs. They’ve flourished over the past few years and as of this Christmas he leads 4.
For me, this past year has been about navigating Long Covid and trying out the new treatment for arthritis. This Autumn was the first time I felt able to use my creativity for a project. I’ve always loved crafts, and last year I was given a candle-making kit. I enjoyed experimenting, even gifting a few candles to family. They were far from perfect, but they were appreciated and enjoyed.
From Hobby to Project
This year, after honing my skills, I decided to create three candle collections, two wreath collections, and a set of baubles and have added them to our growing Advent Tree project. What began as a small idea has grown into a website and online shop.
Each collection includes:
- Four candles with fragrances chosen to match the weekly themes of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love.
- Four candles with floral fragrances to bring relaxation and calm.
- Three candles with fragrances chosen for the season of Christmas
- Wreaths designed to coordinate with seasonal colours of advent.
- Baubles with the week’s theme written on them.
Designing, crafting, writing product descriptions, and sending out orders has been a joy.
Experiencing Advent in a New Way
What surprised me most was how much I’ve enjoyed using the candles and wreaths personally. Alongside a study guide, each weekly candle has become part of my rhythm. The fragrances linger, the candles burn cleanly, and they last the whole week.
This has made the season more tangible, whether it’s putting up my three Christmas trees, baking festive treats, or making homemade mincemeat into pies. I feel more hopeful and connected to the meaning of Advent and the hope of Christmas.
Bringing Warmth to Winter
The candles and wreaths are now part of my home décor, adding warmth and cosiness to these dark, cold days. They’ve helped me embrace the late days of Autumn as we head into winter and the celebrations of Christmas with a renewed sense of hope, peace, joy and love.
You can browse my new online shop HERE.
