Today is the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of Mary.
A simple way my family marked this feast was the Mary Candle (or here). And I am introducing the custom this year in our family.
Ebay is such a wonderful place to find family memory items — I was able to track down a similar candle like we used. It’s red, just like my mother’s (I’d prefer white)…but I still love it! I found the candlestick holder yesterday at an antique store (inexpensive), but thought it looked so “Marian” I couldn’t pass it up. Not sure if it’s a perfect match, but the blue peeking from under the mantle is lovely.
The Candle symbolizes Jesus, the Light of the World. Having the wax figure of Baby Jesus makes it more tangible for small children.
I quickly made this mantle for the candle from scraps and glue, so it’s not perfect. The white mantle symbolizes Mary and her womb, pure and stainless, without sin, from the moment when she was conceived in St. Anne’s womb. The candle will remain covered until Christmas.
Family in Feast and Feria 
wonderful!
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I love this! I did Jesse Tree ornaments about 7 years ago–just construction paper and foam paper–and just redid them this year (the old ones are holding out pretty well, just not very pretty). We didn’t grow up with these customs and I love them. I love adding to them.
Thanks for the explanation of the Mary candle, I think I understand it better. You do not light the candle until Christmas, right? We have our Advent wreath with a plain, white candle in the center. Now, I’ll decorate it with these tips. 🙂
If you’re using a white candle, then I would wait to light until Christmas, as Christ, the Light of the World, has come into the world. I admit that I do not light my candle, because it’s over 50 years old and hard to replace!
The other thing is I suspend my Advent Wreath, so I can’t put a candle in the middle. Our dinner table is just too little to keep the wreath on it.
Thank you for visiting! I’m glad you find it helpful! I agree, the traditions are so wonderful. My oldest (9) is going through the hymnal and singing Advent and Christmas hymns right now. He’s in the spirit!
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