Ben Carter
Candles are mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible, with Jesus speaking about them several times. The Bible's verses about candles are often used in candlelight services, especially during Christmas Eve. For instance, Luke 11:33 reads, No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place hidden or under a basket, but on a lampstand, so that those who come in can see the light. Similarly, John 8:12 quotes Jesus as saying, I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. The Bible's verses about candles are also used to encourage people to shine bright for Christ and glorify God.
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What You'll Learn
Candles in the Bible
Candles are mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. Jesus referred to himself as "the light of the world" (John 8:12, John 9:5) and called on his followers to be a light as well (Matthew 5:14). In John 12:35-36, Jesus says:
> You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. The man who walks in the dark does not know where he is going. Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light.
The use of candles in Christian worship is based on the idea that lamps were used to symbolise the presence of God in the Tabernacle and Temple during the Old Testament period, and were often referenced in the teachings of Jesus. For example, Jesus celebrated the Festival of Lights (also known as the Festival of Dedication, or Hanukkah) in John 8. The Festival commemorates how God provided a miracle to ensure that sacred lamps remained burning in the Temple, even when there was no oil.
The lighting of candles during Christian worship and prayer is intended to help focus thoughts and prayers on Jesus, as described in Hebrews 12:2:
> [Jesus] the author and perfector of our faith.
Candles can also symbolise life, God, the Spirit, Christ, repentance, and prayer requests. They remind Christians of the glory of God, as well as his power, purity, presence, and promises.
There are many Bible verses that reference candles, including:
> For thou wilt light my candle: the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness.
> The spirit of man is the candle of the Lord, searching all the inward parts of the belly.
> 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.
> Yea, the light of the wicked shall be put out, and the spark of his fire shall not shine. The light shall be dark in his tabernacle, and his candle shall be put out with him.
> She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
> Fret not thyself because of evil men, neither be thou envious at the wicked; for there shall be no reward to the evil man; the candle of the wicked shall be put out.
> 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.
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Jesus as the light
Candles are mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. Jesus referred to himself as the light (John 8:12, John 9:5) and called his followers to be a light (Matthew 5:14). He also celebrated the Festival of Lights or the Festival of Dedication (Hanukkah) in John 8. The Festival commemorates the importance of keeping sacred lamps burning in the Temple and how God provided a miracle to ensure that happened, despite there being no oil.
Jesus said: "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (John 8:12). In the same way, he told his followers to let their light shine before others, so that they may see their good deeds and glorify God (Matthew 5:16).
Jesus is referred to as the light in various other passages in the Bible. In Isaiah 9:2, it is written: "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned". In John 12:35-36, Jesus said: "You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. The man who walks in the dark does not know where he is going. Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light."
The lighting of candles during Christmas is a tradition for some Christians. On Christmas Eve, some families gather outside, each holding a candle. A leader starts by lighting their candle and reading a Bible verse. They then pass the light to the next family member, who reads another verse, and so on. This tradition symbolises Jesus as the light of the world, and it is a way for Christians to focus their thoughts and prayers on him during the festive season.
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Lighting candles at Christmas
Lighting candles is a common practice in Christianity, used to assist in focusing one's thoughts and prayers on Jesus during special times of worship and prayer. The practice is based on the belief that lamps were used to symbolize the presence of God in the Old Testament Tabernacle and Temple and were often referenced in the teachings of Jesus.
Jesus himself referred to his followers as the light of the world:
> "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:14).
Similarly, in John 8:12, Jesus says:
> "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
The lighting of candles during Christmas is a tradition for some Christian families. On Christmas Eve, each family member gathers outside, holding a candle. A leader starts by lighting their candle and reading a special Bible verse. They then pass the light to the next family member, along with a paper containing a verse for them to read.
Some churches also incorporate candles into their Christmas celebrations. During the fourth and final week of Advent, churches light two candles: the candle of love and the Christ candle. The Christ candle is left burning even after the other candles are removed, symbolising the passing of the old and the arrival of the new covenant brought by Christ.
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The Festival of Lights
Candles are mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. Jesus referred to himself as the light (John 9:5) and called his followers "the light of the world" (Matthew 5:14). In John 8, Jesus celebrated the Festival of Lights, also called the Festival of Dedication or Hanukkah. This festival commemorates the importance of keeping sacred lamps burning in the Temple and how God provided a miracle to ensure that happened, even though there was no oil.
The practice of lighting candles during special times of worship and prayer is common in Christianity, as it can assist in focusing one's thoughts and prayers on Jesus. Christians base their beliefs and practices on Sola Scriptura, or Scripture alone. They note how lamps were used to symbolize the presence of God in the Old Testament Tabernacle and Temple and were referenced often in the teachings of Jesus.
During the Christmas season, candles often play a significant role in Christian traditions and rituals. One such tradition is the Christmas Candle Lighting Ceremony, where family members gather outside in a circle on Christmas Eve. Each person holds a candle, and a leader begins by lighting their candle and reading a special Bible verse. The light is then passed to the next family member, along with a paper containing a verse for them to read. This ceremony symbolises the light of Christ coming into the world and brings a sense of warmth and unity to the celebration of Christmas.
Another candle-related tradition during Advent, the four-week period leading up to Christmas, involves lighting four candles on each of the four Sundays. These candles often have specific themes, such as hope, peace, joy, and love, with an additional white candle, known as the Christ candle, lit during the final week. The lighting of these candles serves as a reminder of the prophecies about the coming Messiah and the virtues associated with the Christmas story, such as Joseph and Mary's love and God's love for humanity.
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Advent candles
Advent wreaths traditionally hold four candles, with three in purple and one in pink. The candles represent Jesus coming as a light in the darkness, with each candle bringing more light as Christmas approaches. The first candle, called the Prophecy Candle, represents hope and anticipation of Christ's coming, recalling prophecies about the Messiah. The second candle, the Bethlehem Candle, symbolizes peace and preparation, reflecting Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem. The third candle, in pink, represents joy, marking a shift in the tone of Advent from reflection to joyful anticipation. The fourth candle represents love. Each week of Advent has a theme: hope, peace, joy, and love.
Some Advent wreaths also include a fifth, white candle in the center, known as the 'Christ candle', symbolizing Christmastide and the arrival of Christ. This candle is first lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
The tradition of the Advent wreath is said to have originated with the German Lutheran pastor Johann Hinrich Wichern in 1839. He used a large wooden ring decorated with 24 small red candles and four large white candles. One small candle was lit each weekday and Saturday during Advent, with a large white candle lit each Sunday. The custom spread among Protestant churches in Germany and evolved into the smaller wreath with four or five candles known today.
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Frequently asked questions
Candles can symbolize life, God, the Spirit, Christ, repentance, and prayer requests. They remind Christians of the glory of God, His power and purity, and His abiding presence and faithful promises. Lighting candles during special times of worship and prayer is common in Christianity as it can assist in focusing one’s thoughts and prayers on Jesus.
Here are some examples of scriptures that mention candles:
- "For thou wilt light my candle: the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness"
- "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"
- "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"
- "You, O Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light"
Candles are often used during Christmas celebrations, such as the Advent wreath, which consists of four candles that represent the virtues of hope, peace, joy, and love, and the fifth candle, the Christ candle, which symbolizes the arrival of Jesus Christ. Lighting candles during Christmas can also be a way to focus on the light that Jesus brings into the world and to glorify God.
