Post by Tonkin on Dec 13, 2010 1:30:35 GMT -5
The following Legend comes from a Christmas Card sent to me about twenty-five years ago.
Many years ago, a cobbler and his wife lived in a cottage on the edge of a village in Austria. They had few possessions, but whatever they owned, they shared with others. Symbolic of this generosity and love of mankind was the lighted candle they placed in the window of their cottage.
Over a period of years, war, famine and destruction fell upon this little village - and yet, through it all the cobbler and his wife suffered far less than the other villagers. "Surely there is something special about them, they are always spared from our misfortunes," said the villagers. "Let us put candles in our windows and see if that is the mysterious charm."
Now it happened that the first night that candles were lighted in the windows of every home was Christmas Eve, and before the first rays of the morning sun, a messenger rode into the village to bring the great news - peace had come! That Christmas Day there was amazement and awe in the hearts of the humble villages. And, as they thanked God for the blessing of peace, they said to one another: "Let us always remember to light candles on the evening of Christ's birth."
And now, many years later, this beautiful custom of placing a lighted candle in the window on Christmas, has spread all over the world, sending forth a message of love, hope and cheer.
____________________________________________________
Wishing all at Penwith Genealogy a very happy and safe Christmas. I have enjoyed the year with you and appreciated all the help you have given me along the way.
Roy - from down under.
Many years ago, a cobbler and his wife lived in a cottage on the edge of a village in Austria. They had few possessions, but whatever they owned, they shared with others. Symbolic of this generosity and love of mankind was the lighted candle they placed in the window of their cottage.
Over a period of years, war, famine and destruction fell upon this little village - and yet, through it all the cobbler and his wife suffered far less than the other villagers. "Surely there is something special about them, they are always spared from our misfortunes," said the villagers. "Let us put candles in our windows and see if that is the mysterious charm."
Now it happened that the first night that candles were lighted in the windows of every home was Christmas Eve, and before the first rays of the morning sun, a messenger rode into the village to bring the great news - peace had come! That Christmas Day there was amazement and awe in the hearts of the humble villages. And, as they thanked God for the blessing of peace, they said to one another: "Let us always remember to light candles on the evening of Christ's birth."
And now, many years later, this beautiful custom of placing a lighted candle in the window on Christmas, has spread all over the world, sending forth a message of love, hope and cheer.
____________________________________________________
Wishing all at Penwith Genealogy a very happy and safe Christmas. I have enjoyed the year with you and appreciated all the help you have given me along the way.
Roy - from down under.