Tyler Brooks
Candles are mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible, and Jesus spoke about them several times. Christians believe that lighting candles honours God and reflects on His majesty and goodness. They are lit during special worship services and seasons, including Christmas Eve, Advent, and memorial services. While some Christians believe that only white candles should be used, others argue that candles are simply candles and that intention is what matters. There is also a growing trend of pairing candles with Bible verses or scents mentioned in Scripture, such as Frankincense and Myrrh, to create a multisensory worship experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bible's mention of candles | Candles are mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments. |
| Jesus' words on candles | "Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house." |
| Bible's mention of Christmas | The Bible does not mention Christmas. |
| Christmas date | December 25: There is no proof that Jesus was born on this date. |
| Christmas customs | Gift-giving, feasting, partying, and burning candles are customs derived from pagan festivals. |
| Christmas lights | Europeans decorated their homes with lights to celebrate the winter solstice and to combat evil spirits. |
| Christmas trees | Tree worship survived into Christianity through the custom of placing a Yule tree inside the house. |
| Mistletoe and holly | The Druids ascribed magical properties to mistletoe, and evergreen holly was worshipped as a promise of the sun's return. |
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What You'll Learn
Christians believe that lighting candles is a way to honour God
In the Bible, Jesus spoke about candles several times, and His words have inspired Christians to shine bright and glorify God in their lives. For example, in Luke 11:33, Jesus said, "Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house." This verse encourages believers not to hide their light or faith but to let it shine brightly for others to see.
Another verse that reflects on the significance of candles is, "For thou wilt light my candle: the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness." This verse expresses the idea that God brings light and hope into our lives, dispelling the darkness.
While some Christians may attach spiritual significance to candle colours or scents, others believe that candles themselves hold no power. Instead, they serve practical purposes, such as creating a positive and cosy environment or helping one focus during prayer and worship.
Overall, Christians embrace the lighting of candles as a way to honour God, remember His goodness, and spread His light in the world. This practice is often observed during the Christmas season, a time when Christians reflect on the birth of Jesus and the hope He brings to humanity.
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Candles are mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments
The use of candles is mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. Christians believe that lighting candles honours God, and the tradition is embraced during special worship services and seasons, including Christmas Eve, Advent, and memorial services.
In the Bible, Jesus spoke about candles several times, and his words in Luke 11:33 are particularly notable: "Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house." This verse highlights the importance of letting one's light shine and not hiding it away. Another verse with a similar message is: "No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light."
The Bible also mentions the symbolic significance of candles, such as in the verse, "For thou wilt light my candle: the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness." Here, the candle represents God's light shining in times of darkness or uncertainty.
Additionally, the Bible mentions the practical use of candles in everyday life, such as in the verse, "Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it?" This verse illustrates how candles were a common source of light in ancient times, used for practical tasks like searching for lost items.
While some Christians may have differing opinions on the use of candles, the Bible generally speaks positively about light versus darkness. The important takeaway is that one should focus on being a source of light in the world, as God intends.
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The Bible speaks about light vs darkness
The Bible speaks about light and darkness in several passages, drawing a clear distinction between the two. Light is often associated with truth, righteousness, and goodness, while darkness represents falsehood, ignorance, and evil. According to the Bible, believers are called to be the light of the world and to walk as children of light, seeking to understand and follow God's standards.
In John 8:12, Jesus declares, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." This verse highlights that following Jesus brings illumination and guidance out of darkness. It also emphasizes the transformative nature of faith in Christ, where believers move from darkness to light.
Paul's writings in Ephesians 5:7-10 reinforce this theme: "Therefore do not become partners with them; for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and find out what is pleasing to the Lord." Here, Paul urges believers to live as children of light, guided by goodness, truth, and righteousness. He contrasts this with their previous state of darkness, indicating a spiritual transformation.
The Bible also mentions candles specifically in both the Old and New Testaments. For example, in Luke 11:33, Jesus says, "No one after lighting a lamp puts it in a cellar or under a basket, but on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light." This metaphor encourages believers not to hide their light but to let it shine for others to see.
Additionally, candles are often used symbolically in Christian traditions, especially during Christmas Eve services, the season of Advent, and memorial services. Christians light candles as a way to honour God and reflect on His majesty and goodness. However, some Christians view candles as a simple tradition that helps create a positive and cozy environment without attaching any spiritual significance to them.
In conclusion, the Bible's references to light versus darkness serve as a reminder for believers to embrace truth, righteousness, and goodness, while rejecting falsehood, ignorance, and evil. By following Jesus, the Light of the World, believers can walk in the light and bring illumination to a dark world.
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The Greek Church uses candles
The Greek Orthodox Church uses candles in a variety of settings, both in the church and at home. The use of candles is deeply rooted in symbolism and is meant to represent emerging from the "darkness into light".
Candles are usually placed at the front of the church, and it is customary to put a few coins in a box next to the candles to "pay" for them. The most common action for any devout Greek Orthodox person upon entering a church is to light a candle, kiss the nearest icon, and make the sign of the cross. This is meant to guide you as you enter the church.
Candle stands are placed in front of the four principal icons on the Iconostasis: the icons of Christ, the Virgin Mary, John the Baptist, and the temple's patron. Candles are also used in processions, and a candle is kept burning above the Royal Doors in the Iconostasis. In addition, candles in a seven-branched candelabrum are burned during services on the altar, following the example of the seven-branched candle stand in the Old Testament.
The lighting of candles is also associated with prayer. By igniting the candle's wick from another candle, one has said a prayer and received light, both literally and figuratively. This action is symbolic of joining the community of the faithful.
The Greek Orthodox Church also uses beeswax candles, particularly during Greek Easter. The flame used for the lighting of the Anastasi candle is delivered before Easter from the Tomb of Christ in Jerusalem to Istanbul, Turkey, where it burns as an "eternal flame".
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Christians light candles during Christmas Eve services and Advent
The Bible speaks about light versus darkness, and Christians are called to be the light of the world. While the Bible does not specifically mention lighting candles for Christmas or Advent, it does refer to candles in both the Old and New Testaments. For example, in Luke 11:33, Jesus says, "No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden, or under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, so that those who come in may see the light." This idea of letting light shine is echoed in other verses, such as "Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house."
The lighting of candles during Christmas Eve services and Advent is a way for Christians to focus on the beauty and significance of light, which is often associated with God and Jesus. The warm glow of candlelight during these special services creates a cozy and positive environment, fostering a sense of peace and reflection.
Some Christians may also choose to incorporate Bible verses about light and joy onto their candles, further emphasizing the connection between the light of the candle and the light of Christ. Additionally, certain scents, such as Frankincense and Myrrh, can be paired with candles to evoke biblical aromas and create a multisensory worship experience.
While some Christians embrace the symbolic nature of candles, others view them simply as a source of light without any spiritual significance. Overall, the lighting of candles during Christmas Eve services and Advent is a valued tradition that helps Christians focus on their faith and the true meaning of the season.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, candles are mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments. Jesus spoke about candles several times, including in Luke 11:33.
The Bible doesn't mention Christmas specifically, as it is a celebration of Jesus' birth, but it does mention candles. Christians light candles during special worship services and seasons associated with key spiritual happenings, including Christmas Eve services and the season of Advent.
Christians believe that lighting candles honors God and reflects on His majesty and goodness. Some believe that the attractive attributes of candles point to the Father of lights, who sits on the throne of grace and extends mercy to those who seek Him.
