Candle Light
A Christmas candle is a lovely thing;
It makes no noise at all,
But softly gives itself away;
While quite unselfish, it grows small.
– Eva K. Logue
I did some searching and couldn’t find much as to the source of the poem, but it has stuck with me for several days. As I read this, I can’t help but hear the words of John the Baptist:
“He must increase, but I must decrease.” – John 3:30 (ESV)
We don’t like decrease. We like to increase.
As you read this I you sit, in the midst of decrease.
Your bank account is smaller as you prepare for the gift giving season.
Your fridge is filled now, but soon will be much decreased as family devours their favorite dishes.
Your free time has decreased as calendar obligations are increasing.
We have hit the darkest time of the year; daylight has been decreasing.
And yet Christmas is a time of hope, of celebration, of cheer.
Why?
Because Jesus changes everything. It is not about me, it is not about what I have done, it is about what I will do.
It’s about Jesus.
“He must increase, but I must decrease.” – John 3:30 (ESV)
My Christmas prayer is my Christian prayer. One day I will die and stand before the throne of God. At that time, my certainty is that through the power of the Holy Spirit I have decreased enough that I hide behind my savior. We worship a savior who was big enough to bear my sins and constantly calls me into His presence.
As we move into a new year, may you be ready to decrease, but in doing so may it make the Christ in you easier to see.
Merry Christmas my friends!
-Pastor Dan