Literally! With a candle and with the Word of God. Get your kids or some family to help you out on this one. Make a candle for the new year. Read the verses below together:

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven”
—Matthew 5:14–16

Pray and ask the Lord to help you be a light in the new year. Light your candle. Remind your family, as they see the flickering light, that it helps to guide us through darkness. Turn off the lights. How much more does the light mean to you in the darkness?

Let us all be compassionate, forgiving, and let God’s light shine through us to others in 2011.

What you’ll need:

  • Container for your candle—a small jam jar or a small can (Used olive or jalapeno cans make a nice size.)
  • 1 wick
  • Tacky wax
  • Wax for candle-making
  • Fragrance or color for the candle, if desired
  • Spray paint (if using a can)
  • Decorative paper and ribbon
  • Candy thermometer

All of the items listed above are available at most Michaels stores or your local craft store.

How to make a candle:

  1. Prepare the container that you will pour the wax into. Clean thoroughly and spray paint, if using a can (or leave plain if you desire).
  2. Using tacky wax, place the wick at the bottom of your container.
  3. Melt your wax in a double boiler to help control temperature.
  4. Using a thermometer, monitor the temperature. When wax is completely melted at 165–180 degrees F, add dye. Stir well.
  5. Let wax cool to approximately 124 degrees.
  6. Add scent. Stir well and pour wax into container. Let cool.
  7. Set aside 1/2 cup of wax to top off your candle. Once the candle has cooled for 30–40 minutes, poke holes in wax toward the wick to let air escape.
  8. Melt the remaining wax and fill the candle up to the fill line.
  9. Let cool.
  10. Now is the time to decorate the outside of your can, if you wish.
  11. Measure and cut your paper to fit. Hot glue the paper on. Add ribbon around the bottom of the can and glue. Using a metallic pen, write “2011” or your favorite verse for the new year!
  12. Last, trim your wick to 1/4-inch.

Enjoy!

Rule of precaution: Never leave your candle burning unattended. Burn on a heat-resistant surface and keep it away from children!