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Up-oh! There go the lights, honey.

And I forgot to buy batteries for the flashlights.

That’s okay. We’ve got candles in the room that work.

I’ll-ow!…go get them.

There you are little light givers. Come with me.

No way!

Huh? Who said that?

I did. I’m not going.

What? You’re what?

I said I’m not going. I’m not ready.

What do you mean you’re not ready? You’re giving light, aren’t you? Come on out and light the place. We’re bumping into walls out here.

But I feel so unprepared. I need to study some more so I don’t make a bunch of mistakes. You wouldn’t believe how easily a beginner candle’s glow is distorted.

So I’m studying light frequencies and wind resistance and listening to a self-help series on wick trimming, called “waxing eloquently.”

You’re going to be no help, are you? I’ll just take the others.

We’re not going either!

Huh?

I can’t go because I’m busy.

Busy?

Yeah, I’m meditating…uh…I’m meditating not he importance of light. It’s…uh…really enlightening!

And you?

Well, I’m waiting to get me life together. I’m not stable enough. I lose my temper too easily. You might call me a hot head.

Oh brother!

I’d like to help, but it’s just not my gift.

Not your gift?

That’s right. I’m a singer. I sing to other candles to encourage them to burn brighter.

All together, gang…This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine.

Hey! You guys can sing out there!

This little light of mine…

Come on, gang, we really need you out there!

I’m going to let it shine.

Shining just for yourselves? You’re hiding it under a bushel!

Let it shine! Let it shine! Let it shine!

…Hide it under a bushel…

No!—sigh!—Puff!

Did you get the candles, honey?

Nope. They aren’t going to work. Where did you get them?

From the church down the street that closed.

Yeah, that figures.

Moral: Jesus said…

Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:15-16)

We are called by God to let our light shine and be a witness for Jesus Christ. But we can also be really good at making excuses for not doing that. Think about it…

Are you hiding your light under a weak excuse?

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