This is an empty alcove in an ancient church in Guatemala City. Who knows how many candles once burned there, lighting a dark sanctuary? I love its flourishes and carvings–perfect embellished recess created just for the display of light. I think the dark spots on the stone are from the burning candles of years’ past.

But no matter how beautiful and artistic the little carved inset is, it is useless without light. Dark and unappreciated… something from another world and time.

There’s a drop of wisdom in the empty alcove: No matter how you present your message to the world, it must be bathed in light–heavenly Light, eternal Light–or its useless. All the pomp and circumstance, cutting edge, modern presentation, just won’t pierce the darkness.