Candles

   “All the darkness of the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle.” Saint Francis of Assisi

   We are the candles of God.  Jesus has shared His light with us and our candle shines in the darkness.  The darkness wants to snuff out our candle but is unable to do so.  We are the only one who can extinguish our candle.  If we turn from God and live according to the world we can cause our flame to die.

    Once a candle is lit any number of additional candles can be lit from it.  The flame will not decrease regardless of how many other candles borrow from its’ flame.  That is why our candle exists; to share the light with others.  If we hide away our candle and don’t share the flame no one can benefit from the light we have to offer.  Only by lighting the candles of those around us can our light shine its’ brightest.

    Just as one candle can light the darkness millions of candles can light the world.  Darkness can never put out the light unless we allow it.  Satan will tempt us to set our candle aside, allowing it to burn out.  He will try to show us the bright neon lights of sin in his efforts to turn us from God.  Yet even Satan can’t extinguish the candle of God.  Only we can do that. 

   A candle cannot be lit without help.  Its’ flame doesn’t just appear.  It must have another flame from which to draw.  As we move through this world we need to carry our candles and share the light of God wherever we go.  In this way we can be the workers in God’s vineyard harvesting the crop of souls.  Without our candle to provide the flame others may never be lit. 

   Jesus spoke often of light and overcoming the darkness.  We are His messengers with the light to help others brighten the darkness in their life. 

   “I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8: 12)