What Is The Significance Of The Candles At Christmas?

The tradition of lighting candles at Christmas time dates back centuries. Throughout history, candles have held special meaning for people during the dark winter months. Before electricity, candles served the practical purpose of providing light and warmth in the long nights of December. But even then, candles also carried symbolic meaning related to Christmas.

During Advent, the four weeks leading up to Christmas, lighting candles marked the anticipation and preparation for Christ’s birth. The candles brought light and hope during a time of spiritual reflection. Later, decorative candles became associated with the joy and celebration of Christmastime.

Today, lit candles still hold significance at Christmas. Their flames inspire feelings of peace, love, and tranquility during the hectic holiday season. Candles remind us of Christmas traditions of the past and the true meaning of the holiday.

Symbolism of Light

The candles used at Christmastime hold deep symbolic meaning for Christians. The most central meaning has to do with Jesus Christ being described as “the light of the world” in the Bible (John 8:12). The lit candles represent Jesus coming into the world at his birth to dispel darkness and bring hope. Just as a candle brings light into a dark room, Christ brought spiritual light into a darkened world.

The lighting of candles at Christmas is a reminder that Jesus came to defeat sin and death, often represented by darkness. The growing number of candles lit as Christmas approaches signifies the light of Christ increasing and overcoming the darkness. The candlelight also represents the hope, peace, joy and love that Jesus’ birth brings to the world. As Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” The lit candles remind believers that Jesus guides them.

Advent Tradition

The Advent tradition marks the 4 weeks leading up to Christmas. Advent comes from the Latin word “adventus” meaning “coming.” For Christians, Advent is a time of preparation for the coming of Christ – both looking back on the first coming of Jesus Christ over 2000 years ago, and looking ahead to his promised second coming.

During Advent, the lighting of candles on an Advent wreath is a popular tradition. The wreath typically contains 5 candles – four around the wreath marking each of the four Sundays of Advent, and one white candle in the center known as the Christ candle. One candle is lit on the first Sunday of Advent, two on the second, three on the third, four on the fourth, and finally the center Christ candle is lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day as a representation of Jesus, the light of the world. The gradual lighting of more candles each week symbolizes the increasing light as we draw closer to Christmas.

Decorative Use

Candles play a large role in the decorative elements of the Christmas season. Small candles are commonly placed on Christmas trees, either clipped onto the branches or nestled into candle holders. The candlelight from a lit Christmas tree creates a warm and cozy atmosphere in the home. Additionally, candles are incorporated into wreaths, garlands, and centerpieces that adorn mantles, entryways, dining room tables, and more during the holidays. Large decorative pillar candles are often displayed on their own as well to add festive candlelight to a space. Their flames cast a beautiful warm glow when lit. The variety of sizes, shapes, and colors of decorative candles at Christmas provide endless options for enhancing holiday decor.

Religious Services

Candles play an important symbolic role in many Christmas religious services and vigils. Churches are filled with candles during the Advent season leading up to Christmas. The candles represent Jesus Christ as the light of the world. Many churches display Advent wreaths with five candles – four around the wreath and one in the center. One candle is lit on each of the four Sundays preceding Christmas, culminating in all five candles being lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day as a celebration of Jesus’ birth.

On Christmas Eve, many churches hold candlelight services that may involve each person holding a lit candle. The candlelight creates a beautiful glow and reminds worshipers that Jesus came to bring light into the darkness. Some churches also hold candlelight vigils on Christmas Eve, where people gather to pray, sing carols, and light candles in preparation for the coming of Christ on Christmas Day. The flickering candle flames represent the hope and peace that Jesus’ birth brings to the world.

Overall, the abundance of candles used in Christmas religious services honours Jesus as the light of the world and builds a powerful visual reminder of the joy, hope, and inspiration his birth represents.

Sharing the Light

One Christmas tradition involving candles is the sharing of the light from one candle to another. This is often done during Christmas Eve church services or at home before Christmas dinner. The practice signifies sharing the light of Christ and spreading joy during the holiday season.

The tradition begins with the lighting of the Christ Candle in the Advent wreath, symbolizing Jesus as the Light of the World. The minister or head of the household then uses the Christ Candle to light their own candle, before passing the flame to light the candle of the person next to them. That person shares their light with the next, and so on until all participants’ candles are glowing. The soft flickering light fills the space as it moves from person to person, illuminating each face with a warm glow.

As the light is shared, verses from the Gospel of John may be read aloud: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5). The visible passing of the light represents Christians spreading the light of Christ to the world. It serves as a vivid metaphor for sharing faith, hope and the spirit of the season with others.

The candlelight passing creates a powerful visual reminder of how small actions can spread light. It reinforces that the true gifts of Christmas are love, joy, and bringing light to the lives of others. When each person shares their light, they double the amount of light in the room. This reflects how acts of kindness and generosity multiply when shared. The candlelight ceremony provides a moving symbol of unity, fellowship and spreading light during the holiday season.

Gift Giving

Candles make for heartwarming and meaningful holiday gifts. The act of gifting a candle represents sharing light and warmth with loved ones. A candle’s glow provides comfort and joy throughout the dark winter months. The gift of a candle expresses the wish for the recipient to feel safe, peaceful, and bright.

Candles as gifts encourage spreading light to those we care about most. The treasured glow of a candle gifted reminds us that even small acts of kindness can ignite great warmth in the world. A simple candle gifted lovingly brings cheer through the holidays and beyond.

Scented and decorative candles tie in the symbolism of Christmas candles in a practical gift. Candle gifts represent our connections shining bright through the season of light. Spreading candlelight gifts spreads the holiday spirit.

Warmth and Coziness

Lighting candles during the holiday season evokes a sense of hygge – a Danish and Norwegian word for a mood of coziness, comfort, contentment, and well-being. The soft, calming glow of candlelight creates an inviting atmosphere filled with warmth and nostalgia. Gathering with loved ones in candlelit rooms enhances feelings of belonging, happiness, and tranquility during an already festive time of year.

Placing candles around the home and on the Christmas tree adds cheer and magic to holiday decor. Their flames cast a gentle ambience over holiday festivities, from Christmas Eve dinners to opening gifts on Christmas morning. The tradition of lighting the candles each night reflects the spirit of hygge that’s quintessential to a merry Christmas.

Safety Tips

Candles are a beautiful and timeless tradition during the holidays, but proper precautions must be taken for safe handling and display to prevent fire hazards. Here are a few tips for working with candles at Christmas:

• Position candles away from things that can catch fire like curtains, furniture, Christmas trees and decorations. Leave at least one foot of space around lit candles.
• Never leave lit candles unattended. Extinguish candles when you leave a room.
• Keep candles away from children and pets to avoid accidental tip-over.
• Trim wicks to 1⁄4 inch before lighting to avoid high flames.
• Use sturdy candleholders made of non-flammable material and check that candles are secure and do not wobble.
• Avoid using candles on or near drafts that can cause quick burning and dripping.
• Have a plan to extinguish candles – prepare damp cloths or an extinguisher in case of emergency.
• Check local fire codes for rules about open flame decor in public/commercial spaces.

By being cautious and taking proper precautions, the beautiful glow of candles can be safely enjoyed during Christmas festivities.

Conclusion

The significance of candles at Christmas lies in their powerful symbolism and meaning. Candles represent light piercing through the darkness, a guiding star leading the way, the warmth and joy of the season. They are integral to Advent traditions, decorations, religious services, and gift-giving worldwide. The candles on the Advent wreath mark time passing as we await the coming of Christ. Christmas trees and mantels glow with the flickering light of candles. Churches are filled with the light of candles during Christmas services and vigils. People share the light by passing candles at services or lighting each other’s candles. Candles are given as heartfelt gifts, spreading light to our loved ones. Their cozy glow fills homes with warmth and beauty. The traditions around candles remind us that better days are coming and we have reason to hope. They are a beloved part of Christmas celebrations globally.