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Heaven Scent – Koselig & Fall Three-Wick Candles

In my house, Autumn comes early every year. We have barely cleaned up from our Labor Day cookout before I’m asking my husband to pull out my storage bins filled with deep oranges, cozy browns, and warming yellows. While I refuse to buy a Pumpkin Spice Latte until after Labor Day, don’t underestimate my ability to capitalize on a change-of-season sale when all the fall-scented candles make their glorious debut! So what if Fourth of July decorations are still up when my candles arrive?

There is something about the smell of fall….where I live, you can smell the seasons change as smoke from the wood stoves fills the air, the cool night breeze carries scents of crisp leaves, damp earth, and the remnants of the land warmed in the afternoon sun. While I don’t know that candles fully capture the autumn perfume here in the PNW, I still love the candle’s scents of apples, spices, pumpkins, fireside glow, and homemade baked goods.

If the fragrances alone don’t make you want to cozy up, surely the glow of the flickering flames will! Cozy is taken seriously in my house. My husband very proudly comes from a Norwegian bloodline, and cozy is in their DNA. In fact, the Norwegians have a term for that feeling of warmth, contentment, and coziness, and that is koselig. The element of candle light or an open fire is an important piece to this feeling, especially as the nights grow colder and longer.

To my kiddos, the masterpiece that is the three-wick candle, holds an entirely different meaning of comfort and warmth to them. Many nights as I tuck them in, and especially the darker nights where they are restless, filled with thought, and can’t seem to quiet themselves down for rest, the three-wick candle calms them to sleep. You see, to them, these are what we call their Trinity Candles. The wicks represent the Trinity, all distinct, yet part of one candle. As we light each wick together, my kiddos are reminded that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are with them, flickering over them, and providing a comforting light even amidst the darkest night. I remind them there is nothing to fear when God is with them, when God’s light eliminates fear of the darkness of their room and when the scent of their candle swirls around them much like the Holy Spirit does. Is there a more heavenly nightlight? Who knew the Holy Spirit could smell like a walk in an autumn apple orchard?

The three-wick candle is a quintessential part of my fall koselig; the fragrances it releases that decorate our air, the glimmer of the flame lighting up the rooms of my home. Most importantly, however, is the reminder that we are not alone, especially as the days grow shorter and loved ones hunker in their homes. We have a loving God always dwelling within us and around us, sending Himself not just as God, but as the Holy Spirit and Savior, to be with us. How could we find a more everlasting comfort than that?

Savor the Season

Whether you’re a long-time fan of the famed three-wick candle, or a new enthusiast, I encourage you to treat yourself to a new fall-scented treasure or simply pull out a three-wick that you have stored away. Let the light and scent of koselig fill your home and comfort your heart!

Harvest Reflections

As you light your candle, take a moment to slowly light each wick. Ponder the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. How is the Trinity revealed to you? Dwell in the mystery of our God who is three and one. Pray for someone you know who could use extra comfort, extra koselig today. Lift them up, and ask that the Father warm them and bring light to them, like Fall’s most beautiful flame.

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. –2 Corinthians 13: 14 (NLT)

This Post Has 4 Comments

  1. As always , I love your post. Fall is my favorite time of the year. You get to see the colors in Northwest which makes it a wholesome experience. The three wick candle analogy and comforting the kids spoke to me.I learnt new word koselig!Your pen is power with Divinity. Keep sharing ❤️

  2. Christina,
    Your gracious words and invitation to notice with new eyes swirled grace around me in the reading. Keep it up. Can’t wait to read where you take us next. JHB

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