Jessie Taylor
Sanctuary candles, also known as chancel lamps, altar lamps, or eternal flames, are a type of candle with religious significance in both Jewish and Christian traditions. They are often made of wax and placed in red glass containers, although this is not prescribed. They are typically kept burning continuously in places of worship, symbolising the presence of Christ in the Eucharist and serving as a reminder of Christ's abiding love. The tradition of burning sanctuary candles originates from the Torah, specifically Exodus 27:20-21, which instructs that a lamp with pure olive oil be kept burning perpetually in the Tabernacle.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Wax candle |
| Container | Red glass |
| Burn time | Day and night |
| Location | Wherever the Blessed Sacrament is reserved in Catholic churches or chapels |
| Meaning | An emblem of Christ's abiding love |
| Other names | Chancel lamp, altar lamp, everlasting light, eternal flame |
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What You'll Learn
- Sanctuary candles are used in Christian and Jewish places of worship
- They signify the presence of Christ in the Eucharist
- They are made of wax and placed in red glass containers
- They are also known as chancel lamps, altar lamps, everlasting lights, or eternal flames
- The tradition originates from the Torah (Exodus 27:20-21)
Sanctuary candles are used in Christian and Jewish places of worship
Sanctuary candles, also known as chancel lamps, altar lamps, or eternal flames, are a common feature in many Jewish and Christian places of worship. They are often placed before the altar in sanctuaries, shining as a symbol of the presence of Christ and the Eucharist. The light of the sanctuary candle is meant to signify the light of Christ in a darkened world.
The use of sanctuary candles in Christian churches is inspired by a passage in the Old Testament, Exodus 27:20-21, where God instructs Moses to keep a lamp with pure oil burning perpetually in the Tabernacle. This precedent has influenced the Catholic custom of burning a candle, often red, before the tabernacle. The red colour is not prescribed but is used to distinguish the sanctuary light from other votive candles.
In Catholic churches, the sanctuary candle is kept burning day and night wherever the Blessed Sacrament is reserved. It serves as an emblem of Christ's abiding love and a reminder to the faithful to respond with adoration. The custom of using multiple lights in odd numbers instead of a single lamp is becoming rarer but can still be seen in some older Catholic churches and in Eastern Christianity.
In Judaism, the sanctuary lamp is known as the Ner Tamid, which translates to "eternal flame" or "eternal light" in Hebrew. The concept of the eternal flame is derived from the same passage in Exodus, which instructs that the lamp should burn always. The Boy Scout Jewish religious emblem, awarded to scouts for meeting religious education requirements, is also called the Ner Tamid.
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They signify the presence of Christ in the Eucharist
Sanctuary candles are a type of candle that is often used in Christian worship, particularly in Catholic and Anglican traditions. These candles are typically placed on or near the altar, in the sanctuary of the church, and hold symbolic and liturgical significance. One of the key purposes of sanctuary candles is indeed to signify and represent the presence of Christ in the Eucharist.
In Christian theology, Jesus Christ is considered the "Light of the World," as stated in the Gospel of John, chapter 8, verse 12: "Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'" The light emitted by sanctuary candles is a tangible representation of this divine light brought into the world by Christ. When lit, these candles serve as a visual reminder of Christ's presence among the congregation.
In the celebration of the Eucharist, or Holy Communion, Christians recall and make present the sacrifice of Christ on the cross and his subsequent resurrection. The Eucharist is a sacred mystery in which Christians believe they encounter and receive Christ in the forms of bread and wine. Sanctuary candles, with their warm glow, symbolize the real presence of Christ in this sacred ritual. The light of the candles helps create an atmosphere of reverence and holiness, drawing the congregation's attention to the altar, where the Eucharistic miracle takes place.
Moreover, the placement of sanctuary candles is intentional. They are often positioned near the tabernacle, a receptacle where the consecrated Eucharist is reserved and preserved. The lit candles serve as a sign of honor and respect, indicating that Christ is truly present in the Eucharist, body, soul, and divinity. The candles also act as a type of beacon, inviting the faithful to come and spend time in prayer and adoration before the Blessed Sacrament, which is another term used to refer to the consecrated Eucharist.
In summary, sanctuary candles play a significant role in Christian worship by symbolizing and signifying the presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Their light represents the divine light of Christ, illuminating the darkness and guiding the faithful. Through their placement near the altar and tabernacle, these candles honor and draw attention to the sacred mystery of Christ's real presence in the Eucharistic ritual and reserved sacrament. Sanctuary candles thus serve as a visual aid, enhancing the spiritual experience and devotion of those who participate in Christian liturgical traditions.
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They are made of wax and placed in red glass containers
Sanctuary candles, also known as chancel lamps, altar lamps, or eternal flames, are wax candles placed in red glass containers. They are often found in Catholic churches or chapels, burning continuously day and night wherever the Blessed Sacrament is reserved. The red colour of the glass is not prescribed, but it is traditional, serving to distinguish the sanctuary light from other votive candles and symbolizing the presence of Christ. The candles themselves are often made of beeswax, with burn times ranging from 7 to 14 days.
The use of sanctuary candles is rooted in Jewish and Christian traditions, with the practice prescribed in Exodus 27:20-21 of the Torah: "And thou shalt command the children of Israel, that they bring thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamp to burn always." In Judaism, the sanctuary lamp is known as a Ner Tamid, meaning "eternal flame" or "eternal light". In Christian churches, the lamp may be hung by a rope or chain over the tabernacle or near the entry of the sanctuary, or it may be affixed to a wall or placed on a stand on the floor.
The sanctuary candle holds different meanings across various Christian denominations. In Anglican churches, it may indicate the presence of Christ in the church or that the Eucharist has been reserved. Methodist churches interpret the candle as a symbol of the presence of Jesus. In Catholic churches, the sanctuary candle represents Christ's abiding love and serves as a reminder to the faithful to respond with loving adoration.
The use of red sanctuary candles is not limited to Christian churches. In Jewish tradition, the Boy Scout religious emblem, earned by scouts for meeting certain requirements of religious activity and education, is called the Ner Tamid and is influenced by the concept of the eternal flame.
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They are also known as chancel lamps, altar lamps, everlasting lights, or eternal flames
Sanctuary candles, also known as chancel lamps, altar lamps, everlasting lights, or eternal flames, are lights that shine before the altar in many Jewish and Christian sanctuaries. The name 'eternal flame' or 'eternal light' is derived from the Hebrew 'Ner Tamid', which directly translates to 'eternal flame' or 'eternal light'.
The use of these candles is prescribed in Exodus 27:20-21 of the Torah, which states:
> And thou shalt command the children of Israel, that they bring thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamp to burn always. In the tabernacle of the congregation without the veil, which is before the testimony, Aaron and his sons shall order it from evening to morning before the LORD: it shall be a statute for ever unto their generations on the behalf of the children of Israel.
The sanctuary lamp is often coloured red, although this is not prescribed, and is kept burning day and night to symbolise the presence of Christ in the Eucharist. In Anglican churches, the candle may instead indicate that the Eucharist has been reserved in a tabernacle or aumbry. In Methodist churches, the candle indicates the presence of Jesus in the church.
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The tradition originates from the Torah (Exodus 27:20-21)
The use of sanctuary candles or lamps in Christian and Jewish places of worship originates from the Torah (Exodus 27:20-21). This passage refers to the tabernacle and states:
> "And thou shalt command the children of Israel, that they bring thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamp to burn always. In the tabernacle of the congregation without the veil, which is before the testimony, Aaron and his sons shall order it from evening to morning before the LORD: it shall be a statute for ever unto their generations on the behalf of the children of Israel." (KJV)
In Judaism, the sanctuary lamp is known as a Ner Tamid, meaning "eternal flame" or "eternal light". It hangs or stands in front of the ark in every Jewish synagogue, representing the menorah of the Tabernacle. The menorah is a seven-branched candelabrum described in the Hebrew Bible as having been used in the Tabernacle and the Temple in Jerusalem.
In Christianity, the sanctuary lamp or candle is used in Anglican, Methodist, Eastern Orthodox, and Catholic churches. It indicates the presence of Christ in the church and in the Eucharist. The lamp is often coloured red to distinguish it from other votive lights within the church.
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Frequently asked questions
Sanctuary candles, also known as chancel lamps, altar lamps, everlasting lights, or eternal flames, are candles that shine before the altar in many Jewish and Christian sanctuaries or places of worship.
In Christianity, sanctuary candles symbolise the presence of Christ in the Eucharist. They also represent Christ's abiding love and remind Christians to respond with adoration. In Judaism, the sanctuary lamp is known as a Ner Tamid, which translates to "eternal flame" or "eternal light".
Sanctuary candles are traditionally red, although some congregations prefer white.
Sanctuary candles are made of wax.
