Let Your Light Shine!

        My second son was baptized when he was just a few weeks old.  We stood at the baptismal font that was made from a large polished rock held up in wrought iron frame.  The pastor scooped up water from the hollow and poured it on his head as he was named and claimed in God's name.  His forehead was marked with the sign of the cross - a mark that lasts forever, we are told.  Then we were given a lighted plain candle with the command for Ben to let his light shine.
        I found that candle in unpacking things this summer.  It doesn't look special at all.  There is nothing remarkable about it's color, shape, or finish.  A creamy color, it even lacks the mirror gloss of purchased candles.   It is just a narrow pillar about 7 or 8 inches tall.  But this very unassuming candle has significance all the same.
        Many churches follow the practice of giving a lighted candle to the one who has just been baptized.  As this is done, these words are spoken, "Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven". (Matthew 5:16)  To a young person or adult, the words are a reminder that our baptism should show to the people around us; it should make a difference in what we say and do.  To an infant, the words are a promise, that we are changed by the water bound to God's word. It may not show now, but the promise is real.
        Ben's candle is a sign of this promise but it also holds another promise.  At the time, our home congregation had large pillar candles on the altar which they didn't burn all the way down.   Not wanting to waste the leftovers and getting creative, volunteers took the old altar candles and melted the wax down and recast them into the narrower pillars that were then given to each person at their baptism.   Ben's baptism candle then is a literal remnant of their worship and functions also as a reminder of the congregation that also promised to support and uphold him as he grew in faith.
        Just as Jesus is made known by his words and deeds in his earthly ministry, Jesus asks the same of those who follow him.  We are also to shine Christ's light into the world by doing the same things Jesus did; caring for those who need help in any way.  We are not to keep our faith to ourselves as a private matter but let it be obvious to the world.  When we work to feed the hungry, give water to the thirsty, care for the sick, and visit, we make the good news of Jesus known.
        The light of Christ shines forth as we work to care for the world. That light is the gift of faith.   As we look to the needs of the people of Haiti in the months and years ahead, it is this that will break through the darkness of their grief and despair.  Read Matthew 5:14-16