Lighting the Advent Candle

In the mid 1970’s as one of the first divorced members of the congregation I was aware that the concept of a typical “family unit”, was a mother, a father & 2 – 4 children. It was tradition to have a family light the Advent candle and offer prayers. I would watch this event each year, with a bit of sadness --- then one year Audrey Mclennan, who was a staff member, asked me if my “family” would perform the Advent lighting. I was stunned, excited, and honoured, as were my children. The children were already facing the uniqueness of being one of the first single-parent families in their schools. So being perceived as a “normal” family by the church was very significant.

By Bonnie Neil