“There is not enough darkness in the world to extinguish the light of one small candle.”  (Spanish proverb).

We are surrounded by tragedy – both personal and as a society – these are the dark periods in our lives, in the lives of our nations and of the world.  At times, these dark periods are almost more than we can bear.  Yet there is truth in that Spanish proverb.  The Chinese had a similar one: “Don’t curse the darkness – light a candle” and the Finns: “Even a small star shines in the darkness.”

In the spiritual realm, darkness has been described as the abode of the enemies of Christ and the final goal of those who will not accept Him. It stands for the Christ-less life.  On the other hand, light may represent the effect of our life on others and the growing of our knowledge of Christ.

To me, those proverbs represent encouragement.  They tell me that no matter how dark things may appear, just one small light – a candle, a star – can bring new hope.  In 1996, shortly after I began writing and emailing around the world my “Word for the Week” I received from the One Little Candle Foundation in California an award for my uplifting messages for seniors in the USA and Canada.  The foundation brought together people who recognise that by lighting just one little candle each day they are making the world a brighter place. That little ‘candle’ was the light that twenty-five years ago laid the foundation of this present ministry.  The certificate has pride of place in my office, not because it is notable but because it is a constant reminder of the lasting power of one little candle that no darkness can extinguish.

Do not underestimate the power of a Christian candle.  There are days  where all the news seems to be bad.  The serious consequences of economic uncertainty and this ever present threat of the pandemic,  they are dark clouds that surround us.  But Jackie in my home State of Queensland lit a candle for me when mine was fluttering a little when she wrote in response to one of my messages: “Please don’t ever think you are “ ordinary “ instead know that you are “ incredible “ .Thank you and God bless.”  There are people all around you – neighbours, fellow workers, members of your church community and within your own family – who are experiencing darkness today.  A word of comfort, a note of encouragement, a hand on the shoulder, a telephone contact, can be to them a candle of hope.  By lighting that candle you can plant a seed that one day will result in harvest.

“Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).  In this Sermon on the Mount, Jesus tells the people that they are the ones who will put seasoning into life, who will light up the way, and by what they say and do will show men something of what God himself is like. 

Have a good week.  Pastor Ron.

Optional Bible reading: Matthew 5:1-16.

This is one of a series of weekly messages of encouragement, now in its twenty-fifth year, originating from Gympie, Fraser Coast, Queensland, Australia. A companion Bible study page is available each week. To subscribe via email send to w4w2@bigpond.com with the words ‘Subscribe Word (or) Subscribe Word & Study’. Our ministry is free and emailing lists are confidential. Tell a friend or why not put a note in your church newsletter or pew sheet about this ministry – we welcome new subscriptions.

Pastor Ron Clarke OAM

Word for the Week Mbl.: +61 488 424 321