🎄 Christmas Craft Countdown – (December 24)

Craft: “The Empty Manger Candle” 🕯️✨👶

Theme: Waiting in quiet expectation — the manger is ready, the Light is about to come.

This is a reverent, simple, and powerful Christmas Eve craft that fits perfectly with candlelight, prayer, and reflection.

❤️ What You’ll Need:

• Small wooden manger OR shallow wooden tray / box lid

• Raffia, hay, or shredded paper (for straw)

• White pillar candle or LED candle

• Gold star (wooden, sticker, or cutout)

• Gold paint pen or marker

• Optional:

  • Small scripture card

  • Twine

  • Greenery sprig

✨ Directions:

1. Prepare the Manger

Line the wooden manger or tray with raffia or straw to resemble a manger bed.

2. Place the Candle

Set the white candle in the center of the manger.This represents Jesus — the Light of the World — not yet revealed.

3. Add the Star

Place or glue a gold star above or behind the candle to represent the Star of Bethlehem.

4. Add Scripture (Optional)

Write or place a small card with:

• Luke 2:11

• John 1:5

• “The Light Has Come”

5. Christmas Eve Tradition

On Christmas Eve:

• Light the candle during prayer or scripture reading

• Sit quietly for a moment of reflection

• Extinguish the candle before bed

On Christmas morning:

• Replace the candle with a small baby Jesus figurine

• Or relight the candle to celebrate His coming

✝️ Faith Reflection:

Luke 2:12 (KJV)“Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.”

Christmas Eve is holy because of the waiting —the stillness before Heaven breaks into our world.