4 candles

Once there were 4 candles in a room, and even though they were not shining brightly, they emitted enough light inside the room. It felt very quiet and peaceful, as if the candles were waiting for someone to say something. The first candle spoke and said: ‘My name is Peace, but the world right now is filled with wars and conflicts, and even frequent hatreds between people.’ And slowly, the candle was extinguished. The second candle spoke up. ‘I symbolize Love, but today very few people are expressing and sharing my values. Few people still appreciate my role in their families and communities.’ And the light of Love went out too. The third candle said ‘My name is Faith. Many people still believe and practice their faith regularly, but so many others have drifted away from the faith in which they were raised.’ And slowly slowly, the light of Faith was gone too. At that time a young girl went into the room and was afraid because it was so dark. But there was a flicker of light from the last candle and the girl could see the other candles. At that moment the fourth candle spoke up ‘Don’t be afraid little girl, my name is Hope, and if you light my wick, I can give my light to the others too and we’ll be all lit and create lots of bright light for you to see.’ And the girl took the Hope candle and lit the other three. The girl finally said ‘You are right, and I believe that Hope never dies and can regenerate the Faith, the Love and the Peace that may be missing form our world.’