The second Sunday of December is Worldwide Candle Lighting Day. At 7 pm local time in every time zone, people light candles in memory of children who have died. The intention is to embrace the globe with warm light for a full twenty-four hours to honor and remember children who have lost their lives, whether to illness, accident, violence, or any other reason. You can read more about this day and its history from many Internet sources.
Although the observance of lives cut short too soon is a sad one, I believe any of us who have experienced such a loss find comfort in our memories of joy, of laughter, of every quality that made a child unique and lovable. We want lost children to be remembered by others, and we want to express the fullness of what we’ve lost.
For me personally, I envision the light of a candle sparking an inner fire to transform grief into action. Working toward peace in war zones, raising awareness of diseases that take children, advocating for gun reform, and breaking silence on suicide or child trafficking and exploitation are just some of the ways those impacted by the loss of children find purpose in surviving and remembering those they loved–in fact, continue to love every day.
If you haven’t known such loss, and even if you’re not with others, lighting a candle during your 7 pm hour makes you a part of a global community. We’re never alone when we recognize our shared humanity.
ETA: Tonight.
We had a tragedy over here this weekend, in which three children died. I’m a bit late, but I am sure that a lot of candles have been and will be lit for them.
All compassion toward them and those who love them.