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MichelleW
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We read this both for Catholic Mosaic and as part of Katherine's marvelous unit. What a wonderful book! I had pre-read it when I ordered it in July, but somehow missed the woman with the candles. Was anyone else as affected by this as I was?
Most of the villagers brought items that had been secreted away and hidden for safe keeping, but the woman with the candles had made a few candles every year during honey collecting time. What hope! What an example of productive waiting, expectant and hopeful. What an example of the attitude for Advent!
I just can't get this woman (I know she is fictional...) out of my head and heart. I feel like there is such an important lesson there and that I am just barely "getting it."
I am going to look for some beeswax candles next time I'm in town, actually maybe I'll look for some sheets of beeswax and we can make our own...
Michelle
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kjohnson
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We read the story for the first time yesterday and I had a hard time reading it out loud because I kept feeling like I was on the verge of choking back tears. It was so beautiful. It's definitely on my list of all time favorites.
I didn't connect the anticipatory candle making as a symbol of Advent. That is beautiful. The part that really got me was the shoemaker who was really a priest hidden by the villagers. It reminds me of all the true stories of the Russian priest-martyrs (and priest-martyrs throughout the world) of the past century.
Maybe the thing about the story is that it's just so real. It points to the greatest miracle...that of the Holy Spirit working in the hearts of His people.
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Katherine
Wife to Doug and Mother of 6
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MichelleW
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When I read this to myself, I thought "Wow great story!" but when I tried to read it aloud to the kids I also got all choked up and it did seem so VERY real. The shoemaker also got me...
Today we read about St. Nicholas sround the world and I was struck by how the Holy Spirit was used this humble saint in so many countries where it was/is dangerous to be a Christian.
I want to do more with this book and this theme, just not sure what yet.
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Michelle
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MaryM
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kjohnson wrote:
| We read the story for the first time yesterday and I had a hard time reading it out loud because I kept feeling like I was on the verge of choking back tears. It was so beautiful. It's definitely on my list of all time favorites. |
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That's exactly how I feel every time I read it as well. It is so moving. That is one powerful book. Thanks, Michelle for your insight! That's wonderful, but not something I picked up on.
MichelleW wrote:
| ...actually maybe I'll look for some sheets of beeswax and we can make our own... |
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And I highly suggest that you do make your own candles - you would be more like the woman in the book - making them in anticipation of the coming Christmas. It really is not hard at all to make dipped candles and so much fun for the kids. If you need info, I'm happy to help and we've had several threads on candle making.
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Mary M. in Denver
Our Domestic Church
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Waverley
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I checked out this book from the library to use when Advent begins and absolutely loved it.
Well, last weekend at church we had a special baptism. It was an elderly man who came to this country from Russia. He was there with his children and grandchildren and the priest spoke about how this man was never baptised because he grew up in a time where it was illegal to practice the Catholic faith. This grown man and his family wept as he was baptised. It was so moving the congregation broke out into applause and thanksgiving.
We came home from Mass and read The Miracle of Saint Nicholas to the children. It was the perfect book to tell them about a sad chapter in history. They were amazed at our new parishioners faith and hope.
Waverley
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kjohnson
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Waverley wrote:
I checked out this book from the library to use when Advent begins and absolutely loved it.
Well, last weekend at church we had a special baptism. It was an elderly man who came to this country from Russia. He was there with his children and grandchildren and the priest spoke about how this man was never baptised because he grew up in a time where it was illegal to practice the Catholic faith. This grown man and his family wept as he was baptised. It was so moving the congregation broke out into applause and thanksgiving.
We came home from Mass and read The Miracle of Saint Nicholas to the children. It was the perfect book to tell them about a sad chapter in history. They were amazed at our new parishioners faith and hope.
Waverley |
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What a beautiful story. And what a gift that your children were able to experience the joy.
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Katherine
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MaryM
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Waverley, all I can say is "Wow!" I think I would have been bawling if I were there. That is so fitting for the book.
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Mary M. in Denver
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Erin
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MichelleW wrote:
| We read this both for Catholic Mosaic and as part of Katherine's marvelous unit. What a wonderful book! I had pre-read it when I ordered it in July, but somehow missed the woman with the candles. Was anyone else as affected by this as I was? |
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Definetly affected, the dc just laugh, there goes mum crying again  Soo beautiful.
This book also leads to lots of discussions of communism, religious freedom and whether its like that today anywhere etc.
I notice it is a Golden Key book, are any of the others as fantastic?
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Erin
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MichelleW
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Ok, I went to three craft stores in town tonight and NONE of them had those beeswax sheets that you just roll up that I remember from a few years ago (maybe it has been longer, I am getting older...). No one even knew what I was talking about. Does anyone here know what I am talking about?
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Michelle
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MaryM
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MichelleW wrote:
| Does anyone here know what I am talking about? |
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Yes, I do - and no you are probably not going to find them at any of the big name craft stores right now unfortunately. Believe me, like you I just tried to find them a couple of weeks ago. They must not be one of the trendy crafts right now - I've found that those stores often cycle in and out products based on what is the "in" craft. Pretty much the only places I've found to get them currently are specialty craft stores-specifically candle making supply stores, Waldorf-y type stores, honey/bee product stores, and online. Here are a couple links:
The Candlemaker
Wicks & Wax
Candlewic
Magic Cabin
But the craft stores do sell the beeswax blocks. When I mentioned making candles earlier in the thread, I was referring to dipping tapers from melted wax. It really is not as hard as it might seem at all. It truly is amazing for children to watch the candles wax (grow-get thicker).
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Mary M. in Denver
Our Domestic Church
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MichelleW
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Mary!
Thanks so much! I really want to make beeswax candles right NOW, but I am afraid that if I think about dipping tapers I won't do it. I do want to try dipping tapers (and it is on my list of things to try this year when we study Little House on the Prairie), and so I will probably come back here for advice on that. If it goes well, then maybe we'll do that as part of next year's St. Nicholas reading. This year, I am afraid to try something that sounds messy and requires me to learn a new skill just as we are gearing up for Advent.
I am going to order the beeswax sheets, any advice on what wick to buy?
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Michelle
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MaryM
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MichelleW wrote:
| This year, I am afraid to try something that sounds messy and requires me to learn a new skill just as we are gearing up for Advent. |
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Sounds wise - though I assure you that you can minimize the mess with lots of newspaper over all your work surface. The first time we dipped candles was while we were studying pioneers also - it's a great tie-in. You'll have great fun.
MichelleW wrote:
| I am going to order the beeswax sheets, any advice on what wick to buy? |
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Square braid wick is what is most commonly used. The size varies though and what you want depends on the diameter of your candles. If the candle is too wide or too narrow for the wick chosen it will have problems burning well. The most common wick for average size diameter rolled candles (about 1 inch) is 1/0.
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Mary M. in Denver
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MichelleW
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I ordered beeswax sheets from here and they box arrived in five days, well packed, with instructions, wick and 20 sheets, postage paid for $35.
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Michelle
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JennGM
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MichelleW wrote:
| I ordered beeswax sheets from here and they box arrived in five days, well packed, with instructions, wick and 20 sheets, postage paid for $35. |
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Really nice, and brilliant colors! Did you use one sheet per candle? Pictures to share?
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Jennifer G. Miller
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KC in TX
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Jenn,
I just received my order and it depends on what size you want to make. One sheets makes an 8" taper while you can cut it into pieces and make more (cut in half to make 4 1/4" ones). It looks really easy.
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marysjoys
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The Miracle of St. Nicholas has always been one of my favorite stories as well, and I thought I was the only one who couldn' t finish the story without tears!
It really reminds us to fully appreciate and openly practive our faith, for those who must pray in secret.
A Blessed Christmas everyone!
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4Real Forums : Domestic Church
Topic: The Miracle of Saint Nicholas
