"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
(Matthew 5:16)
There once lived a man who made candles and sold them to the people of the village in which he lived. In those days, there was no electricity, so when the sun dipped below the horizon, darkness enveloped every corner of the land. Without the candlemaker's wares, the entire village would have been forced to spend their nights in pitch blackness. His candles were more than just tools for illumination; they were the warmth in a child’s bedtime story, the safety in a mother’s kitchen, and the soft glow in evening prayers.
This candlemaker was known not only for his craftsmanship but for the joy and comfort his candles brought. Each flame danced with life, and the gentle scent of beeswax gave homes a peaceful aroma. His little shop was tucked at the corner of the town square, always lit by a hundred flickering flames and smelling faintly of honey and lavender.
In the same village, there also lived a man who could not speak. He was known by most as the village idiot, though in truth, his silence hid a thoughtful and gentle spirit. People dismissed him because he was different because he could not express himself as they did. He owned no home, no money, and certainly could not afford the beautiful candles that brought so much comfort to others. Each night, he wandered alone in the dark, navigating the moonlit paths at the edge of town, out of sight and mind.
One chilly evening, as the sun faded and lanterns began to glow in windows, the silent man found himself outside the candlemaker’s shop. He stood motionless, captivated by the warm light streaming through the glass. Inside, he watched the candlemaker methodically pour golden wax into rows of waiting molds. The steady rhythm of work, the glow of the flames, and the peace of the little shop made his heart ache—not just for the light, but for the life it represented.
He pressed his hand lightly against the window, as if by some miracle he might soak in a little of that warmth. Then, just as quietly as he had come, he turned to leave. But the candlemaker had seen him. Through the flicker of candlelight and across the pane of glass, their eyes had met for just a moment.
The candlemaker quickly set down his tools, wiped his hands on his apron, and rushed outside.
"Friend!" he called out. "Wait!"
The mute man turned, startled. He looked down shyly, unsure of what to do.
"Please, come in," the candlemaker said gently. "There is stew on the fire, hot coffee on the stove, and an extra bed in the back. You are welcome here."
The man hesitated. His eyes darted between the door and the road before slowly walking inside with the candlemaker.
The poor old man did stay with the candlemaker, learned how to make candles that would provide light for others, and lived happily for the rest of his days.
Moral: Allow Jesus to shine His light upon you so that you may shine your light upon others.
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