The Village ILWIDIot

Walt Wiltschek 

“Try to shine as lights among the people of this world, as you hold firmly to the message that gives life.” —Philippians 2:15b-16a, CEV 

The church service began in typical fashion. Everyone settled into their pews, the accompanist began the prelude, and the boy who had acolyte duties that day began his walk up the aisle to the chancel area, ready to set aglow the candles on the worship center. 

He had just cleared the last step when the thing that every acolyte dreads came to pass: The flame on his candle lighter went out. Poof, a few wisps of smoke making their way to the ceiling. 

I was sitting up front, the guest preacher that day, so I happened to be the one in his line of sight. He looked at me with wide eyes and mouth hanging slightly open. The unspoken question was clear: Now what do I do?

I was about to tell him not to worry about it when I saw an usher making his way up the aisle, lighter in hand. Soon the flame was sparked to life again, the candles were lit, and a very relieved boy went back to join his family in the pews. 

How often do we feel that our light has gone out, whether individually or congregationally? Poof. We might look to God or those around us with that same slack-jawed expression: Now what? 

Yet over and over again when I come to those times, I find that someone is there, bearing the light that seemed to be lost. As we embark on this new year together, may it be so for all of us.