December 8

During the season of Advent --the weeks leading up to the birth of Christ on Christmas Day-- our church does what many others do and has various members of the congregation light the candles on the advent wreath each Sunday.

This morning an absolutely precious little family --a dad and his three young children-- took care of the task. Each of the children took part in the reading and the eldest daughter lit the candles. And I, for a reason I can't quite put my finger on, was nearly overcome by emotion by the sight.

Maybe it was because they reminded me of the life with multiple small, wiggly children that was once mine. Or maybe it was because Jesus said to let the little children come to Him, and that's what they were doing. 

But regardless of the precise explanation for my reaction, I'm grateful for the experience, because it was beautiful in the purest way possible.