A Candle in the Window
One of my favorite Christmas traditions is a simple one. A candle in the window. Placing a burning candle in one’s window is a common tradition that dates back to American colonial times. Candle light often evokes the warmth of home and family. The fireplace was center of family life in days gone by, and thus the candle was generally lit from that fire. The candle was often placed in the window when a member of the family was away. The lit candle was also placed in the window as a sign of good news or as a beacon to weary travelers. Candles also represented friendship and were seen as a sign of welcome to others. In early America, homes were often miles apart. The sight of a candle in a window from a distance was a sign of “welcome” to those wishing to visit or who were seeking shelter from the elements. Many people today only associate candles in the window as a Christmas tradition, but its true meaning is year round.
Have you ever thought about a candle? Once upon a time candles were essential. The fireplace and stove gave heat, and some light, but were hardly portable. Candles, lamps were needed to bring light where it was needed at the time. Yet candles don’t demand attention. They sit quietly in the corner, casting light. Slowly giving of itself.
How like Christ is that, and isn’t that what we are called to model? When asked about Jesus, John the Baptist said the following in John 3 (ESV):
John answered, “A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven. 28 You yourselves bear me witness that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.’ 29 The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete. 30 He must increase, but I must decrease.”
31 He who comes from above is above all. He who is of the earth belongs to the earth and speaks in an earthly way. He who comes from heaven is above all. 32 He bears witness to what he has seen and heard, yet no one receives his testimony. 33 Whoever receives his testimony sets his seal to this, that God is true. 34 For he whom God has sent utters the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure. 35 The Father loves the Son and has given all things into his hand. 36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him
It’s a powerful testimony that bears the truth of Christmas. Christ comes into the world. With all authority, all dominion, all power. He gives off a holy light, he drives away the darkness. As a candle gives of itself, to light the room, Christ gives of Himself, His Word, Holy Communion, that we might be children of the light. Why does He do this?
Why does God become flesh? What was His reason to allow Himself to be placed:
In a manger
On a cross
In a Tomb
He did it for you. We may say that Jesus is the reason for the season, but we also need to remember that the reason Christ came down, suffered and died, rose again, left and sent the Holy Spirit is for INSERT YOUR NAME HERE.
So this Christmas, when you see a candle, burning brightly, remember the gift of faith you have been given in a savior that was given for you that you might not be extinguished, but that you might to be burn brightly forever. And now, he uses you as a candle in the window, shining brightly in the darkness. Drawing people home, welcoming not just to visit but to become a part of the family.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”
Burn brightly my friends, and Merry Christmas
-Pastor Dan