ADVENT // Day One
There is an old German legend that goes something like this: Once upon a time there was a poor family without enough food to eat or wood for a fire. The mother decided to go into the forest to search for pine cones; which she could burn for warmth. Perhaps, she might be able to sell a few of the pine cones and make a little money to buy food too.
In the forest, she began picking up the fallen cones.
“Why are you stealing my pine cones?” The voice came from a tiny elf.
“My family is cold and hungry,” the woman explained. “I can burn the pine cones in the fireplace and maybe sell a few for money to buy food for my family.”
The elf said, “Go into the next forest. The pine cones are much better there.” Then the elf vanished.
The woman, exhausted and tired, made her way to the next forest. The elf was right! In the forest there were pine cones all over the ground and the woman quickly filled her basket. How happy everyone will be at home tonight, she thought. The sun was setting as she made her way home.
When she arrived home, she started a small fire. Everyone slept warm and comfy that evening. Happy, the mother set the basket next to her rocking chair where fell asleep . The next morning she reached into the basket to start a new fire, but was surprised to find the pine cones had all turned to silver!
The woman was able to buy all the food her family needed for the winter, and even then she had many silver pine cones left for the coming years.
Some people still believe that a silver pine cone brings luck. Hang one on your tree, decorate your mantle, or paint some pine cones silver this holiday season and give them to friends and family, along with a copy of this story. It is a simple gift, but one that is sure to be treasured.
Have Faith Everyday 