It was the worst time of the year to make a drive across the country. And yet, with our car and few precious belongings, we could not afford any other way. We heard many terrifying stories of families frozen to death on the side of some lonely highway, lost in the snow with no one to rescue them because no one knew where they were.
Trying to find the best way to travel, we spoke with a friend of ours who was a truck driver by trade. He had crossed the country many times and had some good advice. Bring chains, blankets, water and some dry food – you may in fact get stranded on the highway! He pointed out the best-used routes and the lowest path across the Colorado Mountains. He then gave us his blessing with one final piece of advice: If you become stranded in the snow, the light of one candle will make the difference between freezing to death and life.
As we traveled, our friends and families watched the weather channel as blizzard after blizzard scoured the nation and yet the hand of God protected us and we had dry weather every day of our drive. We made it to our new home without having to light a candle along the way.
I often consider the life-saving merit of a single candle and Christ’s words: “Be a light so that all may see the good that you do and give glory to God the Father” (Matt 5:14-15). When the Holy Spirit came down upon the apostles, He came as tongues of flames and the apostles became human candles.
In our own daily lives, how many times have we been that candle in a frozen wasteland of moral despair? How many times did our example or good cheer give light to the confused and weary? We must remember that one lover of Christ is like a candle in the darkness providing both warmth and light to others.
We all want to do great and glorious things for God, and we are tempted to think that the example of one won’t do much good. But we must be happy as a single flame of hope. Not many, in the Body of Christ, are privileged to be a spotlight. We must trust in the Providence of God. Our own example will affect those who see us at home, at work, shopping and anywhere we go. We cannot know the good that God is doing through our own simple example of love.
We must also avoid the temptation of despair causing us to hide our light within a bushel basket. “It is too much” we may think. “Let us hide within our homes and isolate ourselves from the world.” Those candles do no good if they are dark. It is only when we are inflamed with God’s love and hope that we can thaw the air just enough to make a difference.
So, this Christmas, as your city or town brightens with lights, renew your pledge to be a single candle on fire with God’s love. Add some warmth to this cold season with a smile and good cheer. You never know whom you may save from freezing to death.
© Copyright 2002 Catholic Exchange
Christy Wall is a homeschooling mother of six who lives in California.