“font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px;”>As a child, I grew to love birthday celebrations, which were often marked by birthday cakes adorned with candles. This tradition of intertwining cakes and birthday celebrations dates back to ancient Roman times. Through most of Western history, cakes with lit candles on top have become common to many birthday celebrations.
“font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>The cake in my view reminds us of the sweetness of life, while the candles remind us of the bright future that lies ahead. The candle light also reflects the gifts that God has given us to share with others. The light from candles on a birthday cake often brightens the whole room and for some the whole house. It puts a smile on the faces of those who see it and those who are exposed to the celebration of life that the candles represent.
“font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>As I reflect on the many birthday cakes and candles that I have seen over the years, I am reminded of a word from God: Matthew 5: 15-16 (King James): “Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel (basket), but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
“font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>When we move beyond our birthday celebrations, we must continue to let our light shine and avoid hiding our light (gifts) under a bushel basket. We must strive to be the best that we can possibly be. We must be of service to mankind, our communities and God. Too often we are afraid to let our light shine, afraid to step out on faith and do the things that reflect our good works.
“font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>This week I will remember the birthday of someone I loved dearly. One who loved the life that birthday cakes often represent. One who knew without a doubt that the word set forth in John 8:12 (King James) was absolutely true. “Then spoke Jesus again unto them saying “I am the light of the world, he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”
“font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>She never hid her light under a bushel basket. Instead she let it shine boldly, doing countless good works through teaching, preaching, writing, serving her community, honoring her parents and loving those with whom she came in contact. She believed in the magnificent power of God and the power of positive thinking, exhibiting great confidence as she faithfully followed Him.
“font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>So this week, we celebrate the light that represented her gifts and the sweet cake that represented her life. Those who knew Shirley Deavens can still remember the sweet taste that she left behind after most interactions and the bright light that she exuded as she went about doing her Fathers business. May she rest in peace and may her spirit dwell eternally with the God whom she loved so dearly.
“font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>As you celebrate your life and the lives of those you know and love, remember to let your light shine before man so that they may see your good works as you seek to glorify God.
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“font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>Greg Deavens was the late Minister Shirley Deavens’ son. “mso-special-character: line-break;” />
