Many of you asked for more information about the Advent log. Since I was able to retrieve my log from our crawl space in the eaves this morning, I was able to take a closer photo of the holes, for any of you who are planning to make one for your family in the upcoming weeks. Mine has been used for many years and is covered with wax drippings, which does not matter as the log is surrounded by evergreens anyhow. Speaking of the wax drippings, it is a good idea to place the log on a sheet of waxed paper when setting it up for use in your home. You will not be able to see the paper (evergreens again) but it will keep your mantel or surface from being marred with wax drippings.
The log is drilled at even intervals with a large drill bit on a drill press. I do not think a hand drill would work on this job. I have a total of 29 holes in my log and it is approximately four feet long. The holes are about 1 1/2 inches deep. The holes must be large enough to fit the base of a standard taper candle without being too large. (This is essential. It is better to have a hole that is slightly too small and have to shave off a tiny bit of the bottom of the candle than to have a hole that is too large, thus making the candle wobbly and unstable.) Before drilling, you must choose a log that will not roll when on a flat surface. Keep in mind that it will be setting on your mantel or piano or wherever else you choose to place it. It will have tall candles placed in it so it is VERY important that the log be stable and secure when laying on its base.
The beauty of the log is not so very important because you can cover it with evergreens, either real or artificial. Do not worry if the log you choose has funny knotholes or irregular patterns in the bark. You can choose a type of wood you like from a tree that has fallen or one that you fell yourself. I happened to choose the white birch because I love its peeling bark and pretty color. I suppose that a commerical piece of lumber drilled with the appropriate number of holes would work as well, especially if it is stained and varnished attractively.
I will be posting our family's Advent devotions, one week at a time in the upcoming days. These are large posts, with devotional material, daily bible readings, songs, prayers, recipes and a few activity suggestions. Please bear with me while I compile them into a readable format, rather than scattered throughout several different books and photocopies that my family uses each Advent season. This is a large undertaking but it will help me to have everything in one place, as well as allow me to share it with you. Anyhow, I hope to have Week One posted on Monday.
