Every year, on the 2nd Sunday in December, bereaved families around the world light candles in their own homes or with others for one hour, 7-8 P.M., in honor and memory of all children who have died. This poem explains why we do it.
On a Night in December
In the midst of winter
and all the trees turned bare,
we were faced with shopping malls
where carols filled the air.
And thoughts all turned to loved ones,
those present, and those not.
For us, whose lives were drained of light,
it was solace that we sought.
And so began a journey
of candles round the earth
bringing light to darkness
and honoring the worth
of children held so dear to us
but never to grow old,
whose lives filled ours like tapestries,
their threads the finest gold.
Now we gather on this night
and watch the candles burn
see their pictures, say their names
one by one, in turn.
And our children, brothers, sisters,
for whom we gather here,
let us know, in the candles glow,
that they are always near.
Their light will e’er surround us;
their love will always flow.
As we leave may we remember,
that this is ever so.
Genesse Bourdeau Gentry 2011
I hadn’t heard of this date as a worldwide memorial date for children who have died, so thanks for sharing this information. And a very beautiful poem.
Blessings
Ruby