Illuminated by Grace

Wax, Wick, & Flame

A friend gifted me a candle the other day. It's not an ordinary candle—it's homemade. Hers are the best! She uses quality ingredients, and I am always pleased with the scent. Her gift prompted me to think about the Holy Spirit's work in our lives.

The day I lit the candle, I also read an Advent devotional book gifted to me by another friend. The author referenced Isaiah 42:3: "A bruised reed He will not break, And a dimly burning wick He will not extinguish; He will faithfully bring forth justice" (NASB, 1977)

I thought about the simplicity of the candle: wax, wick, and flame. Different materials with distinct purposes work together to create light.

The wax is the essence—a reservoir of potential waiting to be transformed. It reminds me of our lives, created by God with unique gifts, talents, and purposes. Yet, without the spark of the Holy Spirit, our potential remains dormant. The wax's purpose is fully realized only when it surrenders to the flame.

The wick is the conduit. Buried in the wax, it seems small and insignificant, but its role is vital. It draws the wax toward the flame, turning raw potential into soft light. The wick might represent our faith and willingness to be vessels for God's power. The wick's strength and endurance determine how brightly and steadily the candle burns. Gratefully, faith is a gift from God Himself!

The flame is the Holy Spirit, the divine spark that ignites our lives with purpose and power. It illuminates and refines, consuming the wax in both destruction and transformation. The flame is dynamic, sometimes strong and steady, other times flickering and fragile. We know God is the same—yesterday, today, and tomorrow—so what makes the flame change? Could it be our response to the Spirit, a willingness to surrender to His guidance, or an ability to allow Him complete control?

How often do we feel like that dim wick, barely holding on, overwhelmed by life's trials? Yet Isaiah assures us of God's faithfulness. He does not snuff us out in our weakness. Instead, He tends to us with gentleness and patience.

As I watch the candle burn, I am reminded of God's presence within me, His Spirit transforming my essence into light for the world. As the sweet scent fills the air, I'm reminded that our lives are a sweet fragrance rising to God.

Let this truth encourage us as Christmas approaches: The Spirit of God is given as our comforter, our advocate. God is faithful; He will strengthen and guide us as we surrender ourselves wholly and entirely to Him.

May the aroma of your lives be sweet and the light compelling so others will glorify our heavenly Father!

Reference: Lockman Foundation. (1977). New American Standard Bible (NASB 1977). Isaiah 42:3. The Lockman Foundation.