Candles have great meaning in many spiritual and cultural ceremonies. You can spot candles at churches through various times during the year, particularly on holidays. However, what appears to be the most popular time of the year for churches display candles during services is Christmas time.
Church and Christmas obviously go hand in hand since that's when different people and churches celebrate Jesus's birth. Church candles often symbolize the Star of Bethlehem that God used to guide the shepherds directly to the manger where Joseph and Mary were with the baby Jesus.
Church candles can also be used to remind us that God is a light unto our path and that we need to trust in Him during times of trouble, since He is there to guide us. Traditionally churches will hold Christmas Eve services late in the evening when the intense flames will shine the brightest. Some churches also celebrate midnight mass on Christmas Eve to honor Jesus' birth. During these Christmas Eve or Christmas morning services the people in the congregation are likely to be given a small narrow candle for them to hold. Not to worry about wax, as long as you have drip protectors for everyone to shield people's hands from hot wax. With all of the building lights turned off what you see is everyone's candles, it is quite an amazing sight.
The Methodist Church celebrates Christmas Eve by having everyone in the congregation take communion and the Advent wreath's candles on the Lord's Table is the only source of light. The celebration of Advent starts four weeks prior to Christmas and is celebrated in church as well as in homes. Initially the first church candle is lit on the first Sunday of Advent and more candles are added every Sunday until Christmas. All four taper candles shall be lit before Christmas. The fifth and last candle is lit on the actual day of Christmas, Christ's birthday. The four tapers are placed in the middle of the wreath to represent hope and light. The wreath is made up of the taper candles and a large pillar candle in the middle of the wreath. The four taper candles are traditionally made up of one pink candle and three purple candles. The pillar in the center is usually white and is symbolic of Christ. The family gathered usually takes time while the candle is lit to read Scriptures together and make time for prayer. Each Advent Candle has a individual meaning and every meaning is generally defined the when candle is lit. The meanings of the candles include: The Candle of Hope or Prophecy, The Candle of the Way, The Candle of Joy, The Candle of Peace, along with the Christ Candle for Christmas Day.
Most churches have some type of Christmas service where they use candles. In the Eastern Orthodox Church, Christmas Eve is celebrated by fasting in some celebrations until the very first star becomes visible in the sky. After church service is dismissed, a new candle is brought to the centre in the church and lit, and the congregation sings the Troparion and Kontakion of the Feast.
All churches celebrate Christmas Eve and Christmas Day their very own personal way. Another enjoyable celebration that uses church candles is where people come together and sing the song "silent night" while different candles are lit.
Church candles play such an important role in different religions and their use has also become popular at home.. Remember to take joy in these traditions and that they have special meanings that we should take to heart.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/spirituality-articles/church-candles-add-beauty-during-christmas-time-4077690.html
About the AuthorClick here for more information on church candles.