12 Candles of Christmastide

12 candles of various shapes and sizes, some pure beeswax, others blended, with special (even rare) essential oils fit for the season.

1: Roman Census Candle | Votive
We begin our journey by following the Holy Family into Bethlehem on the Vigil of the Nativity. Did you know Roman Chamomile has a calming effect? Much like the calm St. Joseph brought to the Blessed Virgin Mary, this night of all nights.

2: Incarnate Word Candle | Altar Pillar x2
The Christ Child is born, and the mystery unfolds. As you look upon the wax, wick and flame of this pure white beeswax candle, you may recall the words of St. Anselm, likening them to the virginal flesh, soul and divinity of the Infant King.

3: The Sleeping Orient Candle | Jar
A bed of straw has been made, between the ox and the ass. The Blessed Virgin hushes the Infant to sleep, and you could too, with the aroma of this candle made with the essential oil of Japanese Cypress (Hinoki), which aids sleep.

4: Oil of Angels Candle | Tea lights x10
The Angels announce the Virgin birth to the shepherds who come to adore the Lamb of God, Who comes to lay His life down as Shepherd for His sheep. The shepherds come away enriched by this mystery. You will, too, as you light the candle made with the essential oil of Angelica Root, known to boost mental clarity.

5: Star of Bethlehem Candle | Pillar
As the child slumbers, a star rises out of Jacob, beckoning good-willed seekers from the East. Be you also beckoned to Christ, the true enticement, as you light this candle made with the essential oil of Star Anise whose botanical name illicium verum means ‘true enticement’.

6: Holy Innocents Candle | Taper x6
“He came,” says St. Fulgentius, “not that He might combat alive, but that He might triumph slain.” As these candles hasten to their death in the manner of the holy Innocents, let us as well contemplate a life in this vale of tears built upon a death to self.

7: Holy Name Candle | Pillar
None other than the Mellifluus Doctor, St. Bernard, said: “‘Iesu’ mel in ore…”… “The Name of Jesus is honey in the mouth…” Μέλισσα (that is, Melissa) means honey, in Greek. Now do you see why this candle is made with the essential oil of Melissa?

8: Epiphany Candle Set | Pillar x3
At last, our friends, the 3 Kings, arrive. Bearing? Gifts, of course. But they come foremost, to worship. The Blessed Virgin accepts Gold for Christ is King, Frankincense for Christ is God, and Myrrh for Christ is Man. At this point, you’re wondering: I can understand a candle made with the oil of Frankincense, and one made with the oil of Myrrh. But what’s the Gold candle made with? Why, that’s the best part: with the essential oil of Calendula, which is Marigold, whose name is derived from “Mary’s Gold”, since such flowers were offered at Marian altars in lieu of gold coins. Do you feel rich now?

9: Pillar of Families Candle | Pillar
While the Holy Family rests, St. Joseph dreams. And while he dreams, Hell quivers. Having received his instructions (Father Richard Clarke writes), “his duty, his pleasure, was to hear and obey”. And despite the swiftness of St. Joseph and his virgin-spouse, “yet there was no hurry or bustle or undue haste”. This candle is made with the essential oil of Petitgrain, which is known to calm racing thoughts. Also, it being the biggest candle of the set, will burn longer than all the others. As it burns, pray that you too may be modeled after the Holy Family, and the Pillar of Families.

10: ‘Out of Egypt’ Candle | Jar
Almighty God decreed that the Holy Family would spend 7 years in this strange and pagan country, with no friends or relatives for comfort. What life did our Lord lead here? What were His first words? Who were His friends? We may get no straight answers as we ponder this mystery, but there is consolation: this candle is made with the essential oil of Egyptian Geranium, so you can inhale the very fragrance the Holy Family inhaled during their sojourn there.

11: Candlemas Candles | Taper x2
To Christians, Christmastide lasts a whole 40 days from Christmas Day to Candlemas Day. On Candlemas Day, the Blessed Virgin Mary presents herself and her Child in an offering to the Almighty. Thus we bring to a close Christmastide, in gratitude that the Holy Child came as victim and priest, so we may not languish in sin and death. This candle is made with the essential oil of Hyssop, a herb used in the Old Testament for purification, and by New Israel, the Roman Catholic Church, in her liturgy.

12: Mystery Candle | Votive
This candle has been created with 6 different essential oils that repel bugs, mosquitoes, moths, flies and other critters that disturb your prayer and contemplation of the graces received during this season. Did you know there are 12 Mysteries of the Incarnation, which we dwell upon, during Christmastide? They are: The Incarnation, The Visitation, The Expectation of the Birth, The Holy Nativity, The Circumcision, The Adoration of the Kings, The Presentation, The Flight into Egypt, The Sojourn in Egypt, The Return from Egypt, The Life in the Holy House, The Disputing with the Doctors.