Flickering glow of a candle sure is warming to the heart.
Candles lit before a recent memorial service seemed to have the most power of any in our recollection. Whatever the reason, it made us think about how candles touch our life.
They have always appealed to us, and as a young grade-schooler we were inspired to make our own candles. Paraffin was readily available at our grocery store, for sealing home-canning, so Mom gave us a pound for our project.
In a kitchen pan over Grandma’s gas stove burner, the paraffin readily melted, as did the red crayon we placed in it for coloring. Poured into a small jelly jar, we put a piece of butcher-string in for the wick.
It seemed to take a long time for the concoction to harden. But, when we lit our candle, it lightened up the room. Other than that, there was no other use, except to say: “We made a candle.”
Perhaps, we were ahead of our time, because now manufacturers produce candles of all colors, shapes and scents imaginable, and sell them for a lot more than the 49-cents that wax cost at Buchman’s Grocery.
Before the invention of electricity, candles were commonly used for light, and still are in some places.
Today, candles are often used for their aesthetic value and scent, for emergency lighting, and for religious or ritual purposes. Scented candles are expended in aromatherapy.
Candles are common in worship both for decoration and ambiance, and as a symbol that represents the light of Christ. A votive candle may be lit as an accompaniment to prayer.
Colors of individual candles have different meanings. Actually, candles are mentioned in the Bible no less than five dozen times.
We didn’t realize they are so important, but when the electricity goes off, and the battery is dead in the only flashlight to be found, we really appreciate candles. Still uncertain of the cause, none of them seem to be as bright as those at the church recently.
It reminds us of Job 19:3: “When his candle shined upon my head, and when by His light, I walked through darkness.” Most importantly, Revelation 22:5: “And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth light.”
+++ALLELUIA+++