Candlelight
Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV)
14 You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
Good morning!
Are you a candle burner? I enjoy lighting candles, especially at home in the evening after a long, hard day at work. The flickering flame of a fragrant candle can calm a restless heart, provide hours of enchanting entertainment and restore a sense of rest and well-being. Friday nights are big candle burning nights at the parsonage. A cup of hot tea, a good book, and a brightly burning candle can make an ordinary day simply extraordinary.
When we light a candle, the darkness suddenly disappears. It only takes a few candles to light an entire room. If you’ve ever lost electricity in a thunderstorm, well-placed candles can provide the light you need to see clearly. Every Christmas Eve at Faith Church, we light candles in the darkened sanctuary while singing the hymn Silent Night. The beauty of the candles held high in praise to our Savior, becomes the only light we need to help us see clearly.
Jesus was born into a dark and lonely world, and He became light and life to all who believe. Jesus said that we are the light of the world. We cannot hide our faith under a bushel basket. His light shines through us as we seek to serve Him by reaching out in love. Are you providing a light for someone you know? Is it your flame that keeps your neighbor from stumbling into the dark places of life? Will they see Jesus through the reflection of your light?
We can extend God’s light to others by simply loving them. Will you let Christ shine through you today? He can take the darkest places of our hearts and illuminate it with His amazing love. You can be His light for the world to see and follow. Are you ready to shine for Him?
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
Pray for: Jesus Christ to be the only light you will ever need. Light your life with His love, and share Christ with everyone you know today.
____________________
© Copyright 2006, Deb Spaulding
All rights reserved
Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.
