THE FOUR CANDLES

[MIRIAM JACOB]

THE FOUR CANDLES

The Four Candles burned slowly. Their ambience 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 says, "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 spoke, "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."

And 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 spoke gently to the little boy, "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.


- Author Unknown