THIS is a simple yet shining lesson, using a small collection of
ordinary candles as illustrators. Children's and older eyes are always
attracted by sparkling lights. Watching the glittering stars is always
a delight. These candles talk: They are white robed prophets. They
preach to you. Look and listen. Have the candles mentioned in this
chapter hidden from sight, with the exception of one tall candle which
you have placed in the centre of the table. This represents The Light
of the World. Have this burning when the audience enters. It will have
an attractive effect. Produce the other candles as you introduce them.
Say of this first tall candle that Jesus said of Himself "As long as I
am in the world, I am the light of the world." (John 9:5.) This is the
text which this candle is declaring by its light--Jesus--the Light of
the World. Without this light the world would be in darkness. At this
moment, cause all the lights of the church to go out for a moment and
say "If this candle should now be extinguished there would be complete
darkness in this room. Just so would it be if the Light of the
World--Jesus--should turn His face from the world, all would be in
darkness indeed." Cause the lights of the church now to be turned on
and proceed with your shining talk. Next produce a small spirit lamp.
Let this represent the Holy Spirit. Light it from the Light of the
World candle, and say "The Holy Spirit takes the light of Jesus, and
scatters it among men. He represents Jesus. He was sent to continue
Christ's work of sending forth the light of truth." Now tell of the
ascension of Jesus, and as you do, take away the big candle and put it
in another room if possible and say "Jesus has now gone to shine in
the Glory, but has left the Holy Spirit here to continue His shining
work. Now bring in twelve candles, standing for the twelve disciples.
Light each one from the spirit lamp and say "The disciples have been
sent to carry the light to the uttermost parts of the world, go ye
into all the world," etc. From a corner of the platform produce
candles standing for the races of the world. They are now in darkness,
"Go ye into all the world" and then quote the last five words of
Matthew 5:14. "The Light of the World." Name each candle one of these
words, so the candles will read "The Light of the World." Jesus said
these words about His followers, and all the races are His followers.
This illustration shows how the Holy Spirit can cause Jesus to shine
forth through the nations of the world. If you wish to make an
elaborate finish to this lesson, call up five boys to represent the
nations mentioned. Let them carry a flag of each nation or marked in
such a way that they may be known as a representative of the nation
whose name they bear, and let them go to different parts of the church
bearing these candles. One may go to the gallery and call that spot
Africa; another to the rear, and call that locality India, etc. And
when they have been distributed, turn off all the lights for a moment
and say "The Holy Spirit is world wide in His mission. The light is
just beginning to shine. Pray that the Holy Spirit may continue in the
work of light-sending and He will do so if we do our part, and we
will." Let the lights be now turned on, and the people sing as a
closing hymn "The Morning Light is Breaking."
=CHAPTER XXIV
THOSE TEN FRIENDS OF MINE=
_Objects: Using the Human Hand_