The beauty of lighting candles

Through the ages, candles have played an important role in praising God, in beautifying and illuminating places of worship, and in supporting spiritual celebrations. Candles illuminate and comfort as they help one reflect on the goodness and glory of God.

Through the ages, believers have been called to “keep a flame burning perpetually” (Exodus 27:19-20).

This was done to help people remain mindful of the Lord, that the faith of mankind would be as “perpetual incense before the Lord from generation to generation” (Exodus 30:7-8). The importance of light was noted in the days of Moses when God commanded (Exodus 40:24-25) him to set a “lamp stand in the Tent of Meeting,” which was a prototype of the Tabernacle, which foreshadowed the Temple, whose mantle of blessing now rests on the Gentile Church.

The New Testament highlights the sanctity of light—depicting it as our armor (1 John 5:7), and associating it with the gospel message (1 Corinthians 4:4) and Jesus the Christ (John 1:1-5, 8:12). Light warms, comforts, unites, and draws us close to the Father.

Candles are common components of celebrating birthdays (celebrating life), celebrating the coming of the Messiah, worship, praying, and reflecting on the glory of the Lord. Candles are visual reminders that all who believe receive the light of Christ to aid them in walking a path that is pleasing to Him.

Candles remind believers of the power and purity of God. In keeping candles burning, figuratively and symbolically in our minds and hearts, we note our desire to remain close to God, and to reflect the love of God as we go through our daily duties at home and in the workplace.

Candles remind believers that God is the author of all, and that His work of creation began with the phrase, “Let there be light” (Genesis 1:3). Scripture notes that “God saw that the light was good...” (Genesis 1:4). It is our prayer that our candles, a connection with the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, prayer, and reflecting on the promises and instructions in Scripture will help you rekindle your faith, bring joy to your heart, and strengthen your relationship with the Lord.