Candles

The prologue of St. John’s Gospel announces the mystery of the incarnation (God becoming man in the person of Jesus) by declaring, “The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world” (John 1:9).

Since antiquity, candles have been used by the Church to represent the light of Christ, who scatters the darkness of sin and death. In places where Christianity has been illegal, lit candles have illuminated dark caves, the hidden catacombs, and even private homes where priests would offer Masses for the faithful.

Despite the invention of electric lights, candles continue to have symbolic significance for our worship. The pure beeswax of church candles symbolizes the purity of the body and blood that Jesus receives from the Blessed Virgin Mary. The wick represents the soul of Christ. The flame represents His divinity. In this way, the candle signifies the whole Jesus – body, blood, soul, and divinity – who came into our world on that first Christmas.

How appropriate that candles should adorn the altars of our churches, where Christ comes to us time and again (body, blood, soul, and divinity) in the most holy Eucharist. Beyond the celebration of Mass, the sanctuary lamp is a special candle that points to Christ’s Real Presence dwelling in the tabernacles of our Catholic churches.

It is the essence of every candle to burn down. As they do, our prayers ascend to the Lord Jesus. He presides at the heavenly liturgy and descends to meet us in every celebration of the Mass on earth.

Having received the body, blood, soul and divinity of Christ at Mass, families should feel free to decorate and illuminate their homes with candles at any time of the year, but especially throughout the entire Christmas season. Used in this manner, candles serve as a reminder to others of the Lord who lives among us, in our hearts and in our homes. Likewise, their light extends our hospitality to the Lord Himself who lives in all our brothers and sisters. “I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life” (Jn 8:12).


Matthew Valles
Seminarian