Wednesday brought a calm that matched the mission’s tone. On the board, Ms. Larsen had written: “Mission #18 – Light a candle, and think about what Christmas really means.” She didn’t explain further; she didn’t need to. Everyone in 7B understood that this task wasn’t about religion alone — it was about reflection, peace, and gratitude.
That afternoon, many students stopped by the small white church at the edge of town. The air inside was cool and faintly scented with wax and pine. A few candles already flickered along the altar, their flames steady despite the draft. Emma stood quietly, lighting a single candle for her grandfather, who was still in the hospital. Jonas lit one for his family — not for anything specific, just because he felt thankful. Ida’s parents joined her, and together they whispered a small prayer before sitting for a few moments in silence.
No one talked much that evening. Instead, there was a shared stillness in many homes — fewer screens, more soft conversation, and a strange but welcome calm.
The next morning, Ms. Larsen asked, “What did you think about while the candle burned?”
“Everything,” Jonas said honestly. “And also… nothing. It just felt peaceful.”
Ms. Larsen smiled. “That’s the point. Sometimes peace doesn’t come from answers — it comes from stopping long enough to notice the light.”
Outside, the December wind blew hard, but for a moment, the classroom felt as warm as the church they’d visited — lit not by candles, but by quiet understanding.