The Four Candles burned slowly.
Their ambiance was so soft you could hear them speak...

The first candle said,

"I Am Peace, but these days, nobody wants to keep me lit."
Then Peace's flame slowly diminished and went out completely.

The second candle said,

 "I Am Faith, but these days, I am no longer indispensable."
Then Faith's flame slowly diminished and went out completely.

Sadly the third candle spoke,

"I Am Love and I haven't the strength to stay lit any longer."
"People put me aside and don't understand my importance.

They even forget to love those who are nearest to them."
And waiting no longer, Love went out completely.

Suddenly...

A child entered the room and saw the three candles no longer burning.

Then the Fourth Candle spoke gently to the little boy,

With shining eyes, the child took the Candle of Hope

and lit the other three candles.

Never let the Flame of Hope go out.

With Hope in your life, no matter how bad things may be,

Peace, Faith and Love may shine brightly once again.

Author Unknown

 Visit this link for flashmovie of this story:

http://i.euniverse.com/funpages/cms_content/2529/4candles.swf