Now what on earth could be described by all four of these alliterative words? Why candles, of course. Candles provide light, and that could be described as their main purpose and that the others are secondary to that. But candles are rarely used today solely to give light; they function as lights mainly when the electricity goes out.
DETOUR: When I have lost my way, I have needed a light, a natural light, such as a candle provides, and a supernatural light such as the God of my understanding provides.
In my house, candles are most often burned for their aroma; they come in a wide variety of scents and right now I have one burning which smells like pumpkin pie and I anticipate having one which will smell like pine -- for when I put up the artificial Christmas tree.
Long after candles were needed to read Scripture by, they have remained part of religious ceremonies. In my church, the candles are lighted before the service is properly started. To those present, the candles represent the light of Christ, and the acolyte carries that light into the church at the beginning of the service and carries it into the world at the end.
What made me ponder candles, however, is their use at the World AIDS Day Service. It is so fraught with meaning to light candles to remember someone, in honor of, or as a prayer for someone. And the sight of so many people carrying candles down Rehoboth Avenue to Baltimore Avenue to Epworth UMC was moving beyond words. Seeing so many folks holding candles is like a picture of what heaven is like.
And of course, candles are used to foster romance. Is there anything more romantic than a dinner for two by candlelight? Sigh.
I love candles. They're a great help on the journey.
Chuck
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
It has often been said that the candle that shines the farthest, shines the brightest at home.
Let your light shine brightly, Chuck.
It will not only light your way at home, but it will draw others to your glow.
Frank
Post a Comment