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Listen while you read: "Bringing In The Sheaves"1 (Lyrics) |
Matthew 5:14-16 – You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 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. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. (NIV)
The time had come for the passing of the light at our Christmas Candle Lighting Carol Service. As the light passed from person to person, it finally reached my row. The gentleman beside me held his candle so that the flame caught my candle's wick. Unfortunately, my wick had been cut very short, and after only a moment or two, it flickered and died. As I was the last person in the row and up against a side wall, it was very dark. The carol, Silent Night, began, and the congregation sang out as the candles shone brightly and illuminated the hymn books, all but mine. Before the end of the second verse, however, my neighbour glanced down and realized that I was in the dark. He immediately lowered his candle and relit mine. It once again caught but then began to flicker before it suddenly flared up and burned brightly and clearly for the rest of the service.
This incident brought to mind the need to be aware of those around us and their circumstances. The bright new year which lies ahead of us will have many opportunities for us to be lights for Jesus as we take and make the time to prayerfully be watchful for those whose light of hope may be flickering, or perhaps has even sputtered and died out.
Within the Scriptures, we see that Jesus lit the light of hope within many, as He always had time for a kind word or a healing touch for those who struggled with hopelessness and despair. Through His guidance and love, we who are His children of light can do likewise.
I've never been one to make new year's resolutions, but being a candle lighter of hope for Jesus seems to be a worthy objective which is calling me to embrace it this year. How about you? Care to join me in this enlightening task throughout this new year?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Jesus, the light of the world, who has lit so many lives with eternal hope and salvation. Grant that we, Your servants, may do likewise as we prepare to pass on the hope within us to those whose light is flickering or may have sputtered and died out due to the cares and struggles within this world of darkness. May many candles once again be ignited and fortified within our world this coming year due to our obedience to Him who loves us with an everlasting love and hope. In Christ's name, we ask. Amen.
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Beautiful words, Lynne. Wishing you a Happy New Year.
Great idea Lynne, you are definitely part of Jesus’s light in the world!
Amen, Lynne. Wishing you and yours a happy and blessed new year!
What a great illustration! That is SO true! Thank you. Happy New Year!
What a great message, so easy to identify with after the Christmas Eve service.
An easy resolution for everyone. Thank you
Relighting candles, is happening on a daily basis. Paying attention to self, others and taking positive action where needed, without expectation.
Thanks for the reminder.
Yes, Lynne. Definitely a worthy resolution. I will join you and pass this devotional on to a few others and hopefully they will be inspired. No use waiting until the new year, today is a new day. May you have a blessed day.
At our little church, we light prayer candles as we name our particular cares. I’m always aware of the flickering flames and hope the wicks catch fully. May your light continue to shine in this new year through your meaningful writings. Thank you. Blessings in 2020.
Greetings Lynne,
Thank you for this beautiful devotional. What a great analogy of the light of a candle and the “light” of hope and confidence we can be to others by sharing with them and spreading the love of Jesus.
Blessings to you for a bright and shiny New Year.
(B.C.)
Thanks, Lynne, for sharing this enlightening devotional with us. As I read, a song I learned as a wee child came to mind…
“This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine…”
We may be “little lights”, but Jesus, yes, Jesus, is the Light illuminating this sin darkened world. Your devotional got this so very right! Blessings.
Thanks once again, Lynne, for writing. Each new year starts out with many hopes and opportunities to be a light. Hope I can be a light to others…especially those who cannot get out on their own. Since we live in a retirement community (the town not an actual retirement center), the opportunities to serve are many.
Blessings.
Good morning Lynn
I’ve never been one to make new year’s resolutions but being a candle lighter of hope for Jesus seems to be a worthy objective which is calling me to embrace it this year. Good advice.
All the best to you and yours
Blessings.
Yes, Lynne I will join you. May God bring to us those whom He wants to instill His hope in.
Thanks once again, Lynne for a good challenge; this time for the new year.
May you continue to bless us with your gift of writing.
I will join you, Lynne. Happy Christmas!
So memorable, Lynne. Well-told. I can just see every part of this. Thanks for an unforgettable devotional.
On Christmas Eve as I attended the service at my local church, a family stepped to the front of the church to take part in the lighting of the Advent candles, in particular the Christ candle this night. My heart quickened as my eyes became riveted to the lighting of the four coloured candles because as the candles representing Peace, Joy, Love, and Hope were lit, the flames literally leaped hungrily towards the ceiling. It was eerie the speed at which the flames lit and grew! In contrast, the flame of the Christ candle remained soft and low, and the candle lighter actually leaned forward to make sure the wick was going to stay lit.
“Hmmm”, I thought. “What does this mean?”
I found myself thinking that the instant brilliance and strength of the burning candles of Peace, Joy, Love, and Hope, was sent out into a world of darkness, and the Christ candle was quietly saying, “Have faith. I AM here; I AM the light of the dark world. I AM born this night.”
And my heart quietened. It was one of those God-moments in my life; a lasting moment for Christmas week.
Happy New Year, Lynne, and may we all be ‘lighters of hope’ as we follow in Christ’s footsteps! Thank you for your lesson!
(ON)
To Lynne Phipps,
Thank you for a precious message.
I read something like: “Do not fear the future; the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are already there.”
They are also here right now too.
Being a candle lighter of hope for Jesus seems to be a worthy objective which is calling me to embrace it this year.
And, yes, maybe this too.
Thank you.