Ben Carter
The use of candles in Methodist churches is a common practice, with candles lit at the beginning of services and extinguished at the end. While there is no specific requirement for the type of candles used, the number and placement of candles hold symbolic significance. During worship services, two candles are often placed on or beside the altar, representing Jesus as both human and divine. The lighting of candles symbolises the entrance of Christ's light into the place of worship, while extinguishing them represents the exit of the Lord's light out into the world. In addition to regular services, candles also play a role in special occasions like baptisms, weddings, and funerals within the Methodist tradition.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When are candles lit? | At the opening of the service and extinguished at the service's conclusion |
| Who lights the candles? | Acolytes (assistants to the ministers) |
| What do the candles symbolise? | Jesus, "the light of the world" |
| Are specific candles required? | No, but candles made of beeswax are used for religious tradition in the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church |
| Are there any special candles used in the Methodist Church? | The Paschal candle is used during Easter celebrations and is left stationary during the Great Fifty Days |
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What You'll Learn
Acolytes light candles at the start of a service
The lighting of candles is a significant part of Methodist church services. Acolytes, who are usually teenage boys but can be of any age or gender, are the bearers of the flame that lights the candles at the start of a service and extinguishes them at the end. Acolytes also serve as assistants to the ministers in other ways, including offering, communion, and baptisms, and they have specific garments that they wear.
The candles used in Methodist church services are not just any candles. They are candles with an actual flame, even in this modern world of electric light. The use of candles symbolises the entrance of Christ's light into the place of worship, inspired by the Bible verse John 8:12 – "I am the Light of the World".
On regular Sundays, the service begins with candles lit by acolytes and ends with the same candles being extinguished. However, during the holiday seasons of Christmas and Easter, special additional candles are used. For example, during the four Sundays before Christmas (Advent), most Methodist churches celebrate with the lighting of the candles of an Advent wreath, with each candle honouring each special day.
In an Easter sunrise service, the minister might light a special candle called the Paschal candle, whose name means "deliverance" in Hebrew. The congregation would then light their own candles from the Paschal candle and follow the minister in procession into the sanctuary.
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Candles are extinguished at the end of a service
The Methodist church does not appear to require specific candles, but it does have specific practices and rituals involving candles.
At the end of a Methodist church service, candles are extinguished by acolytes or attendants. The acolytes are bearers of the flame and are usually teenage boys, but they can be of any age or gender. The extinguishing of candles symbolises the exit of the Lord's light with the congregation out into the world. The Bible verse found in John 8:12 – “I am the Light of the World” – is the primary inspiration for this ritual. The presence of the light reminds the congregation of Jesus' coming into their world and their lives. The light is carried out into the world to show that Jesus Christ is for all people everywhere.
The Paschal candle, whose name means “deliverance” in Hebrew, is used in many Methodist churches. It is a very large candle that symbolises the pillar of fire that led Israel by night and the risen Lord during Easter. The candle is lit at the beginning of the service and extinguished at the end. During the Easter sunrise service, the minister lights the candle as a call for the congregation to follow him in procession into the sanctuary.
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The Paschal candle is used at Easter
The Paschal candle, also known as the "Easter candle" or the "Christ candle", is used in liturgies in Western Christianity, including Methodist churches. The candle is blessed and lit every year at Easter and is used throughout the Eastertide. The lighting of the Paschal candle represents the light of Christ coming into the world and symbolises the risen Christ.
The Paschal candle is often the largest candle in the worship space and is made of beeswax, which represents the purity and sinlessness of Christ. The wick of the candle symbolises Christ's humanity, while the flame represents his divine nature. During the Easter Vigil, a new fire is lit to symbolise eternal life in Christ, and this fire is used to light the Paschal candle.
Before the candle is lit, the minister may say a prayer such as: "May the light of Christ, rising in glory, dispel the darkness of our hearts and minds." The minister then uses a stylus to cut a cross into the wax and trace other symbols on the candle, such as the Greek letters alpha and omega, which represent that God is the beginning and the end. Five grains of incense, representing the five wounds of Christ, are also embedded in the candle.
The Paschal candle is lit during Easter and other special occasions, such as baptisms, funerals, and the ordination of priests. In the context of Easter, the candle symbolises the presence of the risen Christ and is a powerful reminder of Christ's Resurrection and Light of the World. After Eastertide, the candle is kept in the baptistry, and the candles of the baptised are lit from it during baptism ceremonies.
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Candles are used in baptisms
Candles are an important part of the Methodist church service. Each Sunday service begins with candles lit by acolytes or attendants and ends with these candles being extinguished. Acolytes are usually teenage boys, but they can be of any age or gender.
Methodist churches use candles in baptisms, wedding ceremonies, and funerals. During baptisms, the church gives baptismal candles to the newly baptized, which are lighted from the paschal candle. The paschal candle is a large candle that symbolizes the pillar of fire that guided Israel at night and the risen Lord during Easter. The United Methodist Book of Worship suggests the manner for lighting the candles and offers ideas for using the baptismal candles at home.
The lighting of candles during baptisms is inspired by the Bible verse John 8:12 – “I am the Light of the World”. The candle is meant to symbolize the entrance of Christ’s light into the church and the beginning of a new life for the baptized.
In addition to their use in baptisms, candles are also lit during the Advent season in the four Sundays preceding Christmas and on Christmas Eve. The lighting of each candle is accompanied by words of devotion spoken by the minister.
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Candles symbolise Jesus, the light of the world
The use of candles in Christian worship services has a long history, with candles and lights symbolizing Jesus, the light of the world. In the Gospel of John, Jesus refers to himself as the light of the world (John 8:12 and John 9:5). This idea is reinforced by John the Revelator, who writes that the light of Jesus' glory illuminates the heavens (Revelation 22:5). The Apostle Peter also writes about being in Jesus' presence, describing it as akin to being in a marvellous light (1 Peter 2:9).
The lighting of candles during Christian worship services is a way to honour God and reflect on His majesty, goodness, and glory. It is also a reminder of God's power, purity, abiding presence, and faithful promises. The practice of lighting candles is especially significant during special times of worship and prayer, helping Christians to focus their thoughts and prayers on Jesus.
In the Methodist Church, candles play a significant role in their worship services. Each Sunday, Methodist church services traditionally begin with candles lit by acolytes, who are bearers of the flame, and end with the same candles being extinguished. The lighting and extinguishing of candles symbolize the entrance and exit of Christ's light into and out of the place of worship, respectively. During the Easter season, the Paschal candle, whose name means "deliverance" in Hebrew, may be lit by the minister during an Easter sunrise service.
The use of candles in Christian worship services is not unique to the Methodist Church. In the Catholic Church, for example, candles and the symbolism of light have a long history and are used during Mass, liturgical processions, and evening prayer ceremonies. Candles are also present during special occasions like Candlemas, the Presentation of Christ in the Temple, and the Purification of Mary.
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Frequently asked questions
Methodist churches use candles in worship, including the Paschal candle, a large candle that symbolises the pillar of fire that led Israel by night and the risen Lord during Easter. This candle is placed in a tall stand and is lit at the beginning of the service.
The Paschal candle symbolises the resurrection of Christ and his presence among the congregation. The name "Paschal" comes from the Hebrew word "Pesah", which means deliverance or Passover.
Yes, candles are also used during regular Sunday services, Christmas and Easter celebrations, and other special occasions such as baptisms, weddings, and funerals.
Candles are a visual reminder of Jesus, "the light of the world". They symbolise the presence of God and Jesus Christ in the worship service and in the everyday lives of the congregation.
