Candlelight Aglow

Posted on by Wynne Leon

As a pastor’s kid, I’ve seen my share of Candlelight Services. Perhaps you’ve been to one too – they usually start at 11pm on Christmas Eve. At the very end, as it closes in on midnight, everyone gets a candle. The flame from the candle on the altar is passed around until the candles are all lit, the lights in the church are completely off but when everyone raises their candles high, it feels as if there is no dark corner remaining. When I walk out of the doors into the night, the effect of feeling connected and peaceful goes with me.

Same effect at concerts with Bic lighters, or I guess cell phone flashlights these days. It gives me the goosebumps every time.

When Vicki wrote in her beautiful post yesterday, “Perhaps that could’ve been a manifesto for Heart of the Matter all along.  Bring the light.” I felt the shiver of recognition travel up my spine.

In the twelve months since HoTM launched, we’ve written about love, humor, gratitude, resilience, courage, learning, and more. And the thread that I’ve seen through all the incredible personal narratives and reflections is light and love. Not only from the incredible group of contributing writers we have – but also from everyone who has commented. This has become a wonderful warm little spot for me to visit every day and I walk away from each visit feeling connected and peaceful.

I’m so grateful for my partner in this adventure, the amazing Dr. Vicki Atkinson. When we first started talking about this idea, it was clear that she was a “yes, and…” person. Someone who is willing to collaborate on ideas, try them on, and then make them bigger. Vicki, is an illuminator. One of those people who is lit from within with her own creative wattage. And she also sees the sparks in others and fans their flames. She takes light and makes it glow stronger. I bow with such incredible gratitude to her for the connection, peace, and illumination she’s brought to this space and my life!

Who knows what will happen when you start something new. Possibly the worse outcome is when nothing does.

But when something beautiful is the result, a small place of goodness and kindness, the feeling is pure warmth. Kinda like a candlelight service – something physical where you feel the power of your own potential and are reminded of what incredible effect it has when combined with others. It has the potential to illuminate all the dark corners. Thanks for bringing your light to share – I’m so grateful.

(featured photo from Pexels)

40 thoughts on “Candlelight Aglow”

  1. What a beautiful tribute to the ever-shiny and beautiful Vicki. You two are clearly mirror reflections of one another, drawn together by the magnetic glow of your shared brilliance. The world is blessed that you both are in it! I love watching from a front row seat as you two ‘yes’ each other into new adventures for the benefit of all. Thank you!

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  2. I am humbled, humbled, humbled by your lovely words, Wynne. I think Julia is spot on in her observation of us as mirror reflections of each other. It’s like that when we find our people and I’m grateful for your friendship and trust, Wynne. And golly – we have fun, don’t we? I’m not sure if we’re “Wynnicki” or “Viwynnie” but there’s something cosmic and otherworldly at work.
    Xo times infinity! 🥰❤️🥰

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  6. “Yes, and…” people are amazing and I would describe both of you that way. You see the possibilities. In todays’ society that’s saying a lot. We all struggle, we all face challenges, but when you come across someone who sees the possibilities, it’s such a soul lifting thing. Thank you to both of you.

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  7. I absolutely love the visual of the inner light of everyone here joining together to illuminate the darkest corner! That’s so powerful and rings true. So grateful for you, Wynne, as well as Vicki and this entire community. 🥰

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  8. Thank you all for bringing the light! I loved the church services on Christmas Eve. For a number of years, my mom, older brother and I (along with other musicians) accompanied the choir singing either Vivaldi’s Gloria or Handel’s Messiah. Our Episcopal church had a 7pm and 11 pm service, and I think either both or the latter one was a candlelight service. I just remember enjoying services that had a lot of music – the caroling service too.

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  12. I’ve never experienced the midnight candle lighting for Christmas but have always found images and videos of it, in real life or movies, to be beautiful.

    And in a way, you two have started a wonderful candlelight occasion with HOTM, every post brimming and glowing with warm light.

    Congrats and thank you for the community and connection you’ve created! It truly is a highlight of my day.

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  13. I’ve been a part of many of those pass the light on ceremonies. It is one of the most symbolic positive gestures.

    It’s a valuable reminder of the impact we can have on others by shining our own light throughout our communities.

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