Do Not Let the Flame Go Out

 

Readings 012926 

I realized this morning that I’ve run out of firewood.
Five days without power will do that.
I’ve burned more wood this week
than I have in the last three years.

But we are warm.
We are safe.
And I’ll find more wood.

Because I’m not letting this flame go out.
And even if it does—
I know how to relight it.
It may take patience,
especially if the wood is green or damp,
but with a little breath
and steady hands,
the fire returns.

And Jesus speaks right into that today.
He says a lamp isn’t meant
to be hidden under a basket
or shoved under a bed.
Light is meant to shine.
Fire is meant to burn.
Grace is meant to be seen.

Nothing God plants in us
is meant to stay buried.
Nothing He whispers in the quiet
is meant to stay in the dark.
It all wants to come to light.

Then Jesus adds,
“Take care what you hear…
the measure you use
will be measured back to you…
and more besides.”

So tend the flame.
Guard what feeds it.
Share the light you’ve been given.
Because the more you offer,
the more God pours back into your hands.

And if your fire feels low today—
if the wood is damp,
if the spark is small—
stay patient.
Stay consistent.
Breathe again.

The flame will rise.
And when it does,
it will shine for everyone in the house.

Prayer

Lord you are the light and steady flame,
breathe on the spark within me today.
When my fire burns low,
when the wood is damp, when patience feels thin—
keep me faithful.

Lift what is hidden into Your light,
and let the warmth You give
shine through me for others.

Strengthen my hands,
steady my heart,
and feed the flame of Your grace
until it burns bright again.

Heavenly Father, we ask this through your son Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God forever and ever. Amen.