The storm roared in, and the electricity stopped flowing in the area, rendering the incandescence inoperable. Sitting in the dark, what was the resource? What were the options? Well, those who have been in situations like that before knew some ways to illuminate. Some would reach for 20th century solutions, while others would just reach for some old-fashioned, ancient-style candles. Hhmmm, candles. Really reliable except in a wind.
When many candles would be lit, the accumulated light would combine to reduce most shadows.
But the flicker of the first candle was unmistakable. The cool thing is that it is irrelevant what the candle looks like. It could be wide and stubby. It could be small motive candle. It could be a long, tapered and elegant candle. It could be a multi-wick variety; or one with a thin, delicate wick. But think of this: It is darkness before the first candle is lit. And from there, other candles can be lit from that first one or subsequent ones.
Look at Genesis chapter one, where God was creating. As early as verses 3 and 4, God said, “And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.”
Just imagine that. God created light (the Hebrew word for “photon” says a local rabbi) first.
After that, He created the stars, the sun, and the moon in verses 14 and 15. Isn’t that cool?
So, He created light, and then created sources of that light from a variety of HIS choosing. From a mega-star in the heavens, to a lightning bug, to the smallest candle.
But God created US, as well. Matthew 5:14-16 says, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
The candle is fascinating. I tiny light that can transform total darkness into something visible. When people’s lives spiral into despair, careen out of control, descend into any type of addiction, fall into monetary disaster, or have relationships collapse, when tears can snuff out any vision we may have (or had); lives can get dark. Even in broad daylight, hope can be lost. BUT!!!!! When a reassuring presence comes into play, when a dear friend approaches and just sits and mourns with us, when a soul joins us with that quiet glimmer of support and fellowship, things change. We BECOME light in the darkness! We become HIS light in other people’s darkness, and illuminate their paths for a season! You may be a big candle, a small candle, a tall candle, a multi-wicked candle; but you will be THE candle that someone needs to experience to feel His love!
“Lord, help us be that candle for someone who is really in need! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”