Christian Living

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Candles – the Light of Christ

Candles are always burning in my house. Winter, spring, fall, or summer, the smell of candles permeates the air. The scents of pumpkin pie, mulled cider, hazelnut, home-baked cookies, and cinnamon are fragrances that bring a welcoming feeling to my home all year long. Friends have told me I don’t need electric lights as I burn so many candles. I always reply: “one can never have enough candles.”

Perhaps I enjoy candles because they remind me of Jesus. Jesus tells us that He is the “light of the world" (John 8:12). Christ provides the light to our lives. The darker, more evil the world becomes, the brighter the light of Christ can shine. In 2 Corinthians 4:6, God said: "Let light shine out of darkness.”

We are called to be “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). So how do we provide this light to this dark and dreary world? Just as there are hundreds of different candle scents, there are many ways we can emulate the light of Christ. For example, our compassion and concern for others, helping the poor and needy, listening to one in need, and letting people see the joy of the Spirit within us are just a few ways of being light. Spiritual illumination is a means of being joyful in all of life’s circumstances, whether at an unhappy work environment, during difficulties or illnesses, or while lonely.

We must realize, however, we cannot do any of this on our own, for we can only do all things through Christ who strengthens us.

Like the candle that provides light and makes everything visible, let us become the light of Christ in this world. By being light, we open a door for witnessing and sharing our faith and Jesus Christ.

All quotes are from the NIV Bible.

Copyright 2005 © Virginia Gorg

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