The Four Candles

The candles were burning at the Advent-Wreath. It was very quiet, so quiet that you could hear how the candles began to talk.

The first candle sighed: “I am called Peace. My light is shining, but people don`t keep peace, they don`t want me. “The light became smaller and finally extinguished completely.

The second candle flickered and said; “I am Faith. But I am not needed. People don`t want to hear about God. There is no meaning in my burning” A breeze passed through the room, and the second candle stopped burning.

Very quietly and sad now the third candle began to speak: I am called LOVE. I have got no strength any more to burn. People push me aside. They see only themselves and not the other ones whom they should Love.”

And with a last flicker also this light was extinguished.

And there came a child into the room. It looked at the candles and said:”

But, you should be burning and not dead. And almost started weeping. At this moment the fourth candle began to speak and it said:” Be not afraid!

As long as I am burning, also the other candles can be lit again. My name is HOPE” And with a match the child took the light from this candle and put on the other lights again.