Candlelight

When his candle shined upon my head, and when by his light I walked through darkness.   Job 29:3

The human spirit is the lamp of the Lord that sheds light on one's inmost being.   Proverbs 20:27

For you will light my candle: the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness. Psalm 18:28

Yesterday the strange October snowfall arrested the day with its drenching intensity and power.  There was not much to do but watch the whiteness gather over all the vibrant green that had basked in the previous day's sunshine.

Electronics were laid aside as we were without power all afternoon and evening.  Candles and matches came out, and the room was filled with spicy autumnal scents.  The fireplace came alive with warmth and light.  Living with the restrictions inside, and the distractions of the scenery outside, made choices simpler.  That, in itself, was calming.

I was excited to find that I could put a rack on top of a 3-wick candle and heat an ovenproof bowl of soup.  It was an easy day for me, unlike those who must live without power all the time, or go without heat on cold days, or have no home or candles.  Or even soup.

When my children were little, we would go to story time at the public libraries.  At one of these, the librarian would turn on a special lantern when it was time to quiet down and listen to the story.  It lent an air of ritual to an already magical time, and we started to light a candle at story times at home. 

At Halloween, it was fun to light a jack-o-lantern inside when we read spooky stories.  When it got dark, I would light a jack-o-lantern on the table on the deck just outside our dining area, and we enjoyed this lively outdoor guest at our gatherings around our table inside.

At a church in Minnesota, we enjoyed the family celebration of All Saint's Day, where we wore costumes and carved ancient versions of crosses into pumpkins.  This culminated in a procession to the altar with our lit pumpkins, placing them on the steps and having a short service.  Seeing all those symbols flickering light into the darkness was very powerful and cheering.  Candles alone are a hallowed element of worship, but that light paired with the image of the cross was powerful. 

Prayer: Lord of light, shine your pure light to keep us safe and to help us see through your eyes. Help us to shine that light through your face to the world. Help us to give your light to others who feel lost.  Remind us through that light of the mystery and wonder behind it. Amen.

Mollie Manner