August 9, 2023 –
“And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” (John 1:5).
Candles were used to illuminate man’s celebrations for over 5,000 years. The Ancient Egyptians developed the first candles, which used wicked candles, in 3,000 B.C. However, people credit the ancient Romans with inventing the wicked candle. Before that time, dipping rolled papyrus repeatedly in melted tallow or beeswax. The Romans used candles to light their homes, aid travelers at night, and for religious ceremonies.
In the 1920s, when Harry Dixon Loes wrote “This Little Light of Mine,” he probably saw a young child holding a candle to light his way in the darkness. Today, the lyrics continue to have a message for young and old. Believers have experienced the Great Light. As disciples, we are commanded to pass on the Light. Lighting someone else’s candle doesn’t diminish our candle; there are two lights now.
You will pardon me if I say the light is in the wick, not the wax. We use both to describe candles. Jesus says, “You are the light of the World.” (Matt. 5114a). The Light is in Jesus; we must reflect His Light and challenge the darkness. Are you letting your little light shine? Your single candle can bring excellent brightness; revealing darkness doesn’t have the last word.