Stations of the Cross Votive Candles-Repost

I saw this lovely idea over at Ruth's blog Just Another Day in Paradise. (She also has many other very nice Lent activities-so make sure and go check them out.)

This activity adds a lot to the devotion of the Stations of the Cross.

For this activity you need:

14 votive candles-(I got mine in packs of 12 at the craft store for 4 dollars)

purple tissue paper

white glue-watered down

foam core board (for the stand the candles sit on)

wooden letters (we choose to put the word SACRIFICE on our stations)

dark purple paint

light purple paint

These small printable Stations of the Cross

First we used watered down white glue to put the purple tissue paper onto the candle holders.
Laura helped me with this step.
While Laura put the tissue on the candles, I got the Stations of the Cross printables ready to adhere to the candles. They came out just lovely, and the sun shining on them today made them even more so. I love the purple look the tissue gives the candles.

Daddy cut foam core just wide enough to hold the candles. We glued three on top of each other because I think we needed the strength for the heavy candles. He also cut a strip of board a little taller than the base board is thick. This provided a finished looking edge to the front and a lip at the top to help hold the candles.

Gracie painted the letters for the word SACRIFICE in light purple.

She did a great job.

It came out just lovely.

We will light all the candles at the beginning of our devotion and then blow one out after reading about each station. Years ago I purchased many copies of The Way of the Cross for children so all the kids can follow along with their own book.

The only display area here in "the little house" is on top of the toy kitchen, so I did glue the candles onto the board to try and prevent smashed candles. (If you live in a "little house" you have to use whatever space is available). This is also where our shrine to Our Blessed Mother is. I put the traditional "crown of thorns" in this special place of honor also. When a good deed is accomplished (and approved by mother) the good child can remove a thorn from the crown, to show how our good deed and sacrifices can help relieve some of Jesus' sufferings. Hopefully all the thorns will be gone before Easter Sunday.

We pray that everyone has a holy and prayerful Lent as we journey towards Easter.