Lighting a candle....

There is a moment during most Lutheran Christmas Eve services where we all light our little hand held candles, usually to the accompaniment of Silent Night.  It is a solemn and almost holy moment during the service, as you watch the light from one small candle spread and fill the packed sanctuary and sing the words that become so meaningful in that setting.

Light is a lovely metaphor for things uplifting, but I was thinking about light and darkness in a more mundane way this morning.  When you are in the dark, your eyes will adjust to the conditions.  Unless you are in a place where no light is allowed to enter, there will be a little bit of illumination.  But you can't see clearly.  It is easy to stumble and fall or stub your toe.

If you suddenly turn on the light in a dark room, there is a moment where you cannot see at all.  The brightness overwhelms the eyes, it is almost painful to keep them open.  But when you turn on that same light in a room already bright with sunshine, it is not even noticeable.

I think that is a good metaphor for becoming a Christian. You have been stumbling around in the darkness, Satan keeping your eyes covered.  Glimmers of light show different pathways, but always with hidden pitfalls threatening your safety.  When the light of God suddenly shines within you, it is overwhelming, and it can even be painful as you review your life in the framework of your new found faith.

When you light your inner faith, when your soul is burning with the love of our Savior, you begin to share your candlelight with those around you, spreading the good news of God's grace.  As your light spreads to others, eventually you will be surrounded by a room full of candlelight, and it's beautiful instead of painful to the eyes of your soul.

In Psalm 119:105 we read, "Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."  By reading the words that God has given us, the darkness is lifted, and our pathway is revealed.  Renew the light of your inner candle through praise and worship of the Light of the World.  Then you, too, can spread your light far and wide, lighting the path for others.