Time To Stoke the Fire!

Our family loves camping! Personally, it really helps me unplug, unwind and focus on my wife and boys for a couple of days.

Our family always has so much fun! Fishing, chopping wood, reading, picking berries and of course, popping popcorn over the campfire.

Campfires really make it a camping trip.

One of the best parts about camping is sitting around the fire, watching the flames dance across each log. Even if the campfire isn’t your primary cooking source, it provides some key elements that add to the overall camping experience.

In my opinion, a campfire also provides some important lessons about our lives as Christians. As I gaze into the campfire flames, I see some important reminders for our faith as Believers.

1. The Campfire Provides Warmth

This weekend, it was only a few degrees above freezing when I pulled myself out of the tent. One of my roles as Dad is to make sure that the campfire is burning hot when the rest of the family wakes.

And who doesn’t enjoy pulling their camp chair close to the fire pit, feeling the radiating warmth? (Add in a good book and a cup of coffee, and you have instant relaxation.)

And Warmth Provides Comfort

Without the warmth of our campfire during those frigate mornings and cool evenings, we would have had a miserable trip. In the same token, our lives, without the warmth of relationship, can be equally (if not more) miserable.

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” (2 Cor. 3-4)

The warmth of a campfire can help us remember, that in a world of cold seclusion, through Christ, we can provide that warmth. This warmth will bring about an inexplicable comfort, for each other and for the world around us.

2. The Campfire Provides Light

Daylight is slipping away here in the Yukon. A headlamp can only do so much. However, stoking the campfire with a few more logs can pierce the darkness and reveal the entire campsite.

For children (or adults) who may be afraid of what lurks in the shadows, a well-stoked campfire can reveal the surrounding area. Thus, proving that there is nothing to be scared of.

And Light Provides Courage

Without the light of a well-stoked campfire, it’s impossible to see what may be creeping into the campsite. In the same way, without the Light in this dark world, we live in fear, unaware of the dangers that may be lurking.

Jesus said, “‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’” (Jn. 8:12)

The light of a campfire can help us remember, the Light that we possess as Christians can bring courage to the most timid soul.

3. The Campfire Provides Rest

The campfire has to be the only no-tech thing left in this world, that can hold our attention. In my opinion, the flames of a campfire beat the latest Netflix series hands-down, every time.

The campfire can distract us from the chaos of our busy lives. The flickering fire gradually bring our minds to a place of rest. The weight of stress begins to fall from our shoulders, as we nestle into our camp chairs and watch each flame dance.

And Rest Provides Joy

Without rest, our joy will be stolen. Sitting around the campfire promotes that rest that we so desperately need. As we put our feet up on the edge of the picnic table, a smile slowly starts to crack. The joy of rest begins to soothe our weary minds.

Jesus said, “‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.’” (Mt. 11:28)

The rest experienced around a campfire can lead us to remember the rest we received through Christ at salvation.

This eternal rest, has provided an everlasting joy. This joy, to be shared with our world. A world that is buried in stress and sadness; searching for someone or something to ease their weary minds and burdened hearts, longing for rest.

Join the Conversation; Share Your Thoughts:

How has an evening around the campfire impacted your faith and/or your walk with the Lord?