Four Candles for Simon

The story takes place over two thousand years ago, right around the time of the birth of Jesus. The owner of a flock of sheep entrusted two shepherds, Jacob and Simon to watch over his herd of sheep while they were grazing in the pasture. Jacob was about 12 and Simon was nine. When Jacob saw this tiny lamb in the field, he gave it to Simon to take care of. Simon never let the little lamb out of his sight; he even let it sleep under his coat at night, so that the lamb would feel warm and safe. The two boys stayed in the hills for six days, and soon it was time to round up the sheep and take them home; they would have to find greener pastures. While the sheep were being gathered, Simon, holding the little lamb, started to fall asleep. Tired as he was, Simon just couldn't stay awake. He even smelled a sweet fragrance for a while. Then it was gone. By the time Simon opened his eyes, Jacob was standing over him and asking him where the lamb was; soon, it was time to drive the sheep home. Simon was sad because the lamb was lost. The owner of the flock became angry and sent Simon out to find the lost lamb. In the meantime, Jacob went to his room and brought a lantern for Simon to carry in the darkness. He said, "Take care of these four candles, and they will light your way." Simon hoped to find the lost lamb. As he went on his way, Simon met a stranger who told him that he would find a lamb in the olive grove beyond a rock. In return, Simon gave the man one of the four candles to light his way in the darkness. Then, Simon came upon a wolf who was crying out in pain; when Simon saw that the wolf's paw was hurt and bleeding, he was no longer afraid; he gave the wolf a piece off his coat to serve as a bandage. The wolf sensed the kindness of this boy, and tugged at Simon; Simon gave the wolf a candle to keep him warm. Simon continued to wander for several hours, and as he came into a town at daybreak, he met an old beggar who was hungry and poor. Simon gave him the third candle to give him light and warmth. Then both went their separate ways. Whenever Simon asked anyone in town if they had seen the lamb, the answer was "no". By now, there was very little light left on the last of the four candles. All of a sudden, Simon smelled the sweet fragrance he had smelled earlier. He turned around, and saw a light in the stable, and went in. At first, he saw only a bright light, then he noticed his lost lamb lying next to a baby, lying in the straw. Simon knelt down and gave the baby his last candle. Soon the faint little candle grew brighter and brighter, and all the shepherds who were watching their flocks of sheep began to sing a joyful song. Does this picture remind you of the birth of Baby Jesus in the stable in Bethlehem? I believe it does! You never know who you will meet on your journey through life. You never know who will bring you to the Christ Child.