DEVOTION / Candles That Don't Burn Out
I will ask the Father, and he will give you another helper to be with you forever (John 14:16, ESV).
Candy-sprinkled "fairy bread" in Australia.
Tugging earlobes in Brazil.
Smearing bright-colored yogurt on the head in Nepal.
Chopping the head off the cake man or lady.
Cheek kissing in Holland.
What do these have in common?
These are birthday customs celebrated around the world.
In America, it is as simple as cake and presents. In China, many families mark a baby's first birthday with a special celebration. Friends and relatives bring small treasures and spread them around the little one. Coins, flowers, books, pens, jewelry, eggs, jade, or clothing are among the traditional gifts. It is believed that the item the baby first touches may give a clue to their life's work.
Candles that don't blow out
Have you ever been to a birthday party where gag candles are substituted for regular candles? The birthday boy or girl can blow and blow and blow, but the candles keep relighting! That picture reminds me of Pentecost--sometimes called the Birthday of the Christian Church.
Jesus promised his disciples that he would send them the Holy Spirit. In John 14:16, he told them: "I will ask the Father, and he will give you another helper to be with you forever."
That came true on Pentecost when they were gathered together. They heard the sound of a mighty wind and saw what looked like flames over them. They were empowered to share the story of Jesus miraculously in many languages.
Sharing Jesus' forever promise
Like those birthday candles that won't go out, 316NOW is passionate in sharing the light of the gospel to people in a place where darkness fills the lives of hundreds of millions. The work of the devil, government opposition, persecution, superstition, false religions, and much more threaten souls across China.
We are privileged to share the message of Jesus – the Light of the world – and we are confident in his promise that souls will be saved for eternity.
Join us in lighting those gospel candles – in China or wherever the Spirit places people in your life. These are candles that can’t be blown out.