Ben Carter
The use of candles in Christian worship is well-documented, with candles placed on altars, near tabernacles, and during rites and celebrations. However, it is unclear if candles were used during the time of Jesus. While the Christian tradition of incorporating fire into worship dates back to the Old Testament, it is not certain if candles had been invented at the time. Some sources suggest that in biblical times, people used lamps made of pottery with linen wicks that burned olive or other oils, rather than candles. Nonetheless, the use of candles in modern times is often associated with Jesus, who is referred to as the light of the world and the light of God.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use of candles | Candles were used during Christian worship and at shrines of martyrs |
| Candles were placed on altars, near tabernacles, and used in almost all sacraments | |
| They were also used to symbolise the light of Christ and the Risen Lord | |
| In modern times, candles are lit during prayer | |
| Types of candles | Votive candles |
| Easter candles | |
| Advent candles | |
| Paschal candles | |
| Materials | Linen wick |
| Olive oil |
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What You'll Learn
Lamps, not candles, were used for light in biblical times
The use of fire in Christian worship dates back to the Old Testament. Candles are commonly used in churches and hold symbolic meaning, representing the light of the Lord, Jesus, who is seen as the "light that enlightens the world".
However, in biblical times, candles had not yet been invented. Instead, people used lamps to illuminate their surroundings. These lamps were typically crafted from pottery and had linen wicks. They burned olive oil or other types of oil.
The use of lamps is also referenced in the Bible. For instance, Jesus states that his followers are the "light of the world", comparing them to a lamp that brightens the community.
While candles were not available during biblical times, they hold significant meaning in Christian traditions today. They are used in various rituals and celebrations, such as Advent and Christmas, to symbolise Jesus' light and the light of God.
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The Christian tradition of fire in worship dates back to the Old Testament
The Christian tradition of incorporating fire into worship dates back to the Old Testament. Fire is often used as a symbol or sign of God's presence in Christianity and is held to be a creation alongside water and other elements. In the Old Testament, fire played a crucial role in the sacrificial system, with burnt offerings completely consumed by fire on the altar, symbolising total dedication to God and the purification of the worshipper.
The prophet Isaiah's vision of his calling illustrates this: a seraph touches his lips with a live coal from the altar, signifying that his "guilt is taken away and [his] sin atoned for". This powerful symbolism shows how the fire of God's holiness can purge away impurities and prepare the worshipper for His service. In the prophetic tradition, fire often represents God's judgment and righteous anger against sin, as seen in the accounts of Sodom and Gomorrah. However, God's judgment is always tempered by His mercy and love, and the fire of His judgment is meant to cleanse and restore.
Fire also serves as a symbol of spiritual passion and zeal, as expressed by the prophet Jeremiah when he speaks of God's word as a "fire shut up in his bones". This image reminds believers that their faith should be a burning, transformative force in their lives. The early church often referred to a "purifying" fire, believing that only divine fire will be able to separate the vile from the holy, and that judgment begins in the house of God.
In the New Testament, fire takes on additional significance with the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, where "tongues of fire" appeared and rested on the disciples, coinciding with their being filled with the Holy Spirit. This imagery recalls John the Baptist's prophecy that the Messiah would "baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire". The fire symbolises purification, empowerment, and the visible manifestation of God's presence.
In modern times, various Christian denominations continue to incorporate fire or candles into their worship practices. For example, Catholics light a candle when the blessed sacrament is in the tabernacle, and Lutherans have sanctuary lamps near the altar. Episcopalians and other traditions use a paschal candle during the Easter season to symbolise the risen Christ. This candle is lit at the Easter vigil, and it is then used to light the individual candles of the congregation, symbolising the light of Christ spreading to all of God's people.
While it is clear that fire has played a significant role in Christian worship throughout history, it is important to note that in biblical times, they did not have candles as we know them today. Instead, they used lamps, usually made of pottery with linen wicks, which burned olive or other oils.
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Jesus is referred to as the light of the world
While candles were not invented during Biblical times, the use of fire in Christian worship dates back to the Old Testament.
Jesus is referred to as the "light of the world" in the Gospel of John (8:12), where he says:
> I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.
This phrase is also recorded in the Gospel of Matthew (5:14–16). In John's Gospel, light and darkness are used as an antithesis with symbolic meaning. Jesus' statement about being the light of the world is one of seven "I AM" declarations recorded in John's Gospel, emphasising his divine identity and purpose. By declaring himself as the light of the world, Jesus claimed to be the exclusive source of spiritual light and truth.
Jesus also refers to his disciples as the light of the world, stating that they must shine bright and lighten the community around them. This concept is related to the parables of salt and light and the lamp under a bushel. The use of light in the New Testament often refers to the presence of God and the incarnation of Jesus Christ.
The idea of Jesus as the light of the world is also reflected in modern Christian practices, such as lighting candles during prayer to symbolise the light of Christ spreading to all of God's people.
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Candles are used in Christian worship to symbolise Jesus' light
It is said that during Jesus' time, candles were not yet invented. People used lamps made of pottery with linen wicks that burned olive or other oils. However, the Christian tradition of incorporating fire into worship dates back to the Old Testament.
Christians use candles in worship as a symbol of Jesus, the light of the world. Fire and light are conceived as symbols or manifestations of the divine nature and presence. The use of candles in Christian worship is believed to have developed gradually, reaching its full systematization in the Middle Ages.
The lighting of candles is a common practice in Christian worship, where they are used for decoration, ambiance, and as a symbol of the light of Christ. The altar candle, often placed in pairs, is a prominent feature on the altar. Candles are also carried in processions, particularly alongside the processional cross.
The paschal candle is used during the Easter season to symbolize the risen Christ. The deacon lights the candle, saying, "The light of Christ," and the congregation responds, "Thanks be to God." The paschal candle is then used to light the individual candles of the congregation, symbolizing the spread of Christ's light to all.
In addition to the paschal candle, votive candles are also lit during prayer as an offering to God. These candles are often placed before icons or statues of Jesus, the Virgin Mary, or other saints, and their colours may correspond to the saint being honoured. For example, blue candles are typically used for the Virgin Mary, while red candles represent martyrs.
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Votive candles are lit as a prayer offering
While candles were not yet invented during Biblical times, including during Jesus' lifetime, the Christian tradition of incorporating fire into worship dates back to the Old Testament. Votive candles are deeply rooted in this tradition, with fire representing God's holy presence.
In the Eastern Orthodox Church, votive candles are lit before icons, typically of Jesus Christ or the Theotokos. Orthodox churches usually feature long, thin candles placed in round containers with sockets or sand. These candles are often lit for the departed, with a separate place designated for these offerings. Lutheran, Anglican, and Roman Catholic churches do not make this distinction. In Roman Catholic churches, candles are placed before statues of Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary, or other saints.
In some Anglican churches, votive candles are used for praying for the dead and requesting saintly intercession. During Allhallowtide, votive candles are lit on All Saints' Day, and a prayer is said for each deceased member of the congregation that year. Similarly, in the Reformed tradition, votive candles are lit during Totensonntag, a holy day commemorating the departed.
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Frequently asked questions
No, they did not have candles. They used oil lamps, usually made of pottery with a linen wick, which burned olive oil or other types of oil.
Christians use candles to symbolise the light of Jesus, who is often referred to as "the light of the world" in the Bible.
The use of candles in Christian worship began in the early days of the faith. They served the practical purpose of providing light during night-time masses and in the catacombs.
Votive candles are lit by Christians as an offering to God. They are placed near statues or images of Jesus, the Madonna, or a Saint.
Advent candles are lit during the season of Advent, in the weeks leading up to Christmas. Each of the four candles in the Advent wreath represents a thousand years of salvation history, from Adam and Eve until the birth of Jesus.
