Many traditions use stories to teach great spiritual truths. Here, on Sundays, some of these stories will be re-told. They can be understood by adults & children. Where possible I will suggest a children's picture book that teaches the same or similar story.
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Many years ago a cobbler and his wife lived in a cottage at the end of a village in Finland. They had few possessions, but whatever they owned they shared with others. Symbolic of their generous love of humankind was the lighted candle they placed in the window of their cottage.
Through the years, war, famine and destruction fell upon the village. Yet the cobbler and his wife suffered far less than the other villagers.
'There is something special about them. They are often spared from our misfortunes,' said the villagers. 'Let us put candles in our windows and see if this is the mysterious charm.'
Now it happened that the night the first candle was lit in every home, was Christmas Eve and before the first rays of the morning sun appeared, a messenger rode into the village to bring the great news - Peace has come! That Christmas Day there was awe in the hearts of the humble villagers.
The beautiful custom of placing a lighted candle in the window on Christmas Eve is being observed throughout Scandinavia until today, sending forth a message of love, hope and joy.
Source; unknown.
