The Four Candles

My daughter and I teach the Children's Liturgy of the Word at our church . This past Sunday was the first Sunday of Advent so we lit one candle on the Advent Wreath. Here is a little poem to go along with this season of Advent.

The Four Candles
The four candles burn slowly.

The first one says:
”I am peace! However, nobody can keep me lit. I will go out."
It’s flame rapidly diminishes and goes out completely.

The second one says:
"I am faith! I am no longer indispensable, it doesn’t make any sense that I stay lit any longer." When it finished talking, a breeze softly blew on it putting it out.
Sadly the third candle spoke in it's turn:
”I am love! I haven’t got the strength to stay lit. 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 it goes out.

Suddenly...
A child enters the room and sees three candles not burning. “Why are you not burning? You are supposed to stay lit till the end." Saying this, the child begins to cry.

Then the fourth candle said:
”Don’t be afraid, while I am still burning we can re-light the other candles, I am Hope!"

With shining eyes, the child took the candle of hope and lit the other candles.

May the flame of hope never go out for you!

Blessings to you all at this very special time of year.