The Candlemaker (cartoon)

"Many years ago, before there were any automobiles and before we had electricity or even gas lighting and when people used horses if they wanted to go out for a ride and oil lamps and candles if they needed a light, there lived in a small country town, yes, a butcher, a baker, and a candlestick-maker. With just over a week to go before Christmas, the townspeople were busy indeed and none more so than the candlemaker and his young son, Tom."

"For in those days, quite small boys were expected to behave like grown men."

"For years now, every Saturday at 4:00, the candlemaker had been making the journey from his shop to the church across the square. Because God had been so good to him and blessed his home and his work, he showed his gratitude by giving his finest candles to shine up at the altar, as an offering to God."

"The family was up early next morning, for a busy week lay ahead. The candlemaker had to deliver quanitites of Christmas candles of all shapes and sizes to the outlying farms and villages."

"With his father away and his mother extra busy getting ready for Christmas, young Tom was in charge of the workshop, with the task of turning out many candles a day. And then there was the altar candle for the Christmas Eve service on Saturday."

"On that Christmas Eve long ago, the church was made beautiful by the loving work of loving hands, just as churches are today. Then and now, there was manger where boys and girls would bring the white Christmas offering for the children's home."

"Each member of the family had his own sad thoughts that night."

"Young Tom knew what his parents were thinking: that he had failed them, and that he had failed God."

"And so it was, many years ago, that the candlemaker's son learned the meaning of Christian stewardship, just as we must learn it today."