Candle in the Window - A Voice in Prayer

It is said a single candle, a single star, can guide the lost travelers. A candle in a window can light the darkness not only in the night, but also in spirit. Together this candle light can show the way for our loved ones serving in the Armed Forces back home...towards the warmth and safety of those who care.

Parents leave a light on for a teenager who has stayed out late at night or for a spouse who has been at work. It is to show them the way to return where they belong in the darkness of night. It it is a way to greet them. We also leave a light burning as one goes off to war. It is a symbol of love for them and a voice of prayer that they return safely. These candles shine twenty four hours a day until their return.

This may have originally been associated through religious believes of the following of the star in the east. It is also a welcome gesture, a feeling of warmth. History states that certain towns made it mandatory that residents light candles during the Revolutionary War to welcome the British.

The candles now burn in support for the men and women of the United States Armed Forces that are deployed in war zones. They need support and they need to know that no matter when they arrive, the welcome light is still "on". The candles that we use now are usually electric or battery operated, but the meaning is still the same. So, place a candle in your front window, keep the home fires burning. Then when they return home welcome them with open arms.

Don't allow them to think they are alone, do not allow them to think no one cares.

A Candle in the Window

There’s a candle in the window
For our soldier off at war,
Standing constant vigil ’til
His foreign tour is o’er.

The sentinel stands faithfully
Through day and dark of night,
Reminding all who look its way,
To pray for Freedom’s fight.

For safety and for courage,
And for wisdom do we pray;
That God may grant him all these things
As his Comrade day by day.

Now stand, O Candle, bright and tall,
Alert us all, each one,
That the price of freedom is not cheap,
And its battle not yet done.

So light his way and burn for him,
And for his safe returning;
Our love will be the fuel that keeps
Our soldier’s candle burning.

(author unknown)