I found this wonderful story in Cecile Woodford’s Yuletide Festival, a portrait of Sussex at Christmas time. Long, long ago an aged cobbler and his wife lived in a tiny cottage on the edge of a small village in Austria. They had few possession, but whatever they had they shared with others, and as a symbol of their love of mankind each night they lit a candle and placed it in the window of their cottage. Many a weary traveller, cheered by this welcome sign of hospitality, found shelter within its walls. All through the years of war and famine which fell upon this little village the candle sent out its message on a beam of hope and cheer. All through the years the shoemaker and his wife suffered less than anyone else. Weary and discouraged the peasants gathered to discuss the cobbler’s good fortune. They wondered why this couple were spared misfortune. “Let us put a candle in our windows” they said. “Perhaps that is their magical charm”. It so happened that the first night they chose was Christmas Eve and candles burned in every window of the village that night. When morning came it really seemed that a miracle had occurred, for a soft mantle of snow covered the village and an air of contentment filled all their hearts. As the sun began to cast its rays over the newly fallen snow a messenger rode up to bring the great news - peace had come. Church bells chimed as people knelt and prayed, and there was amazement and awe in the hearts of the humble villagers. “It must be the candles” they whispered. “They have guided the Christ child to our doorsteps. From now on let us always light our candles on the Eve of Christmas”. The message spread far and wide so that the custom is revived in homes, even today, sending forth a message of Love, Hope and Cheer.