As Christmas approaches, churches often plan services where congregations of all sizes and all ages hold lighted candles and pass the flame to others as they sing carols. While this practice brings concern to fire marshals, church facilities personnel, and parents of small participating children, it can also be extremely meaningful.
But I sometimes wonder why. What is the significance of candles at Christmas?
Although candles were often used in ancient winter solstice celebrations as a way of remembering that spring would soon come, Christians most likely picked up the practice of using candles from Judaism where candles were used in ancient services for various purposes. As unspiritual as it may sound, candles were probably first used as a source of illumination (not the spiritual kind).
At some point, in early Christian worship, someone realized the light of the candle could easily symbolize Jesus who once said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” (John 8:12)
Over the years, people began to associate candlelight with various spiritual practices. In Orthodox traditions, members were encouraged to place small votive candles in small sandboxes which symbolized a spirit of prayer within the church. To Catholic and Protestant clergy alike, candlelight often represented the power and the presence of God, akin to the pillar of fire that led the Israelites in Exodus. To others, candles represented their prayers being lifted to the Lord, symbolizing their lives as offerings to Him, being slowly consumed in their Christian service. And at Christmas in the Middle Ages, a large lit candle was used to represent the star of Bethlehem.
It can be a moving experience to be a part of a service when the lights are lowered, a carol is sung, and the candle flame is passed from believer to believer. It is certainly visually stimulating to see a worship center filled with countless numbers of candles, filling the darkness with light. If that light carries meaning, it can be an even greater experience (especially if you can keep from dripping burning wax on your hands)
Merry Christmas.
*Image courtesy of Zoran Kokanovic
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