It never hurts to bring a   reverent spirit   with you to Candlelight. That is because each Candlelight is designed to be a worshipful service bringing the light of Christ to the Pilgrims on that walk.

        It looks like, at times, in our joy and enthusiasm for the Pilgrims the abundance of flashing c o l o r e d lights changes a candlelight atmosphere to one that is more fun for the community and a “happy” celebration than the worship service it was designed to be.

        Drawing attention to ourselves, or other individuals in the community, moves the Candlelight focus from Christ to man. That is just one of the reasons each new Pilgrim is issued the same style battery operated white light candle. We want to reflect the light not be the light.

        Just prior to Candlelight we have a worship service of music, prayer, a Fourth Day Speaker and communion. Those are solemn events. After Candlelight Pilgrims have the evening prayer and rededication service. It does not take much imagination to see how a "happy" celebration would be counter productive for such a solemn ceremony.

        You might want to look back at the Candlelight Services Notes in this past November's newsletter.   Come early enough to sign place mats where we can celebrate and socialized before the Gathering & Candlelight. Then we can welcome the Holy Spirit to shine forth from us and inhabit the hearts of all in attendance.

        Let's keep the bright colors, costumes, and flashing lights for early Sunday morning when we observe the “Sonrise Celebration.”

        Because Mananitas is a Cursillo term, to avoid any copyright infringement issues with Cursillo, we cannot use that term. That's why the Sunday morning get together formerly called Mananitas has become the Sunday “Sonrise Celebration.”

        So, let's not forget that Candlelight is about Pilgrims seeing Jesus, not so Pilgrims can see any one person in the crowd. After all, we are trying to share God's love with every pilgrim.