The four candles of Peace, Faith, Love, and Hope are slowly burning out. Peace goes out first, saying no one can keep it lit. Faith then goes out, feeling it is no longer indispensable. Love follows, feeling people have forgotten its importance. A child enters and cries seeing only Hope still lit. Hope says it can re-light the other candles, and with the child's help Peace, Faith and Love are lit again. The story conveys the message that as long as Hope remains, the other virtues can be maintained.