Dear Friends,
Last month the Two Ronnies ‘four candles’ script sold at auction for £28,000. The sketch, in which Ronnie Barker is trying to buy fork handles but is offered four candles instead by Ronnie Corbett was described by auctioneer Andrew Stowe as epitomising British humour: “…it’s something that’s made millions and millions of people laugh over a 40-year period.” I must confess it is a favourite sketch of mine, often quoted in vestries of various churches where I’ve served (usually around Advent…). But in more pensive moments, especially when events in the world around me are unsettling, when I struggle to comprehend the pain and suffering endured by so many, when I feel the shadows lengthen, I turn to ‘The Four Candles’ by poet Aino Makoto:
The Four Candles burned slowly.
Their Ambiance was so soft you could hear them speak…
The First Candle said, “I Am Peace, but these days, nobody wants to keep me lit.” Then Peace’s flame slowly diminishes and goes out completely.
The Second Candle said, “I Am Faith, but these days, I am no longer indispensable.” Then Faith’s flame slowly diminishes and goes out completely.
Sadly The Third Candle Speaks,
“I Am Love and I haven’t the strength to stay lit any longer.
People put me aside and don’t understand my importance. They even forget to love those who are nearest to them.” Waiting no longer, Love goes out completely.
Suddenly…A child enters the room and sees the three candles no longer burning. The child begins to cry, “Why are you not burning?
You are supposed to stay lit until the end!”
Then The Fourth Candle speaks gently to the little child, “Don’t be afraid, for I Am Hope, and while I still burn, we can re-light the other candles.”
With Shining Eyes the child took the Candle Of Hope and lit the other three candles.
Never let the Flame Of Hope go out of your life.
With Hope, no matter how bad things look and are…
Peace, Faith and Love can Shine Brightly in our lives.
Whether you need uproarious, joyous laughter or a gentle, steadfast presence to sustain you today, this is my prayer for you:
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13.
Linda.