Why Do Christians Light Candles At Christmas?

The tradition of Christians lighting candles during the Christmas season has existed for centuries. While Christmas candles serve both practical and symbolic purposes, they ultimately help believers focus on the meaning of Christ’s birth during the holiday season. This article will explore the different reasons why illuminating candles became an integral part of Christmas celebrations.

Symbol of Christ

Candles are lit at Christmas to symbolize Jesus Christ as the light of the world. This tradition comes from the Bible, which refers to Christ as “the light of the world” in the Book of John:

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

When Christians light candles during the Advent and Christmas season, it represents Christ bringing the light of salvation and eternal life into the world. The candles provide a visual reminder of His presence and light up the darkness, just as Christ lights up the lives of believers.

The Book of Matthew also connects Christ’s birth to the lighting of candles and lamps:

“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.” (Matthew 5:14-15)

So the custom of lighting candles at Christmas is deeply rooted in Scripture and the core Christian belief that Jesus came as the promised Messiah to dispel darkness and bring hope to the world.

Honoring History

Lighting candles during Christmas honors the ancient roots and traditions of the holiday. Early pre-Christian winter solstice celebrations incorporated candles and fire as symbols of light overcoming darkness. When Christianity began to spread, the lighting of candles on Christmas was adopted from these earlier cultural and religious practices. The candles connect modern Christmas celebrations to these origins. Early Christians would decorate their homes with candles and lamps during Christmas to symbolize Christ as the light of the world. While electric lights are now widely used, the lighting of candles preserves this ancient symbol and reminds Christians of the deep history behind this beloved holiday tradition.

Marking the Advent

The lighting of the Advent candles helps mark the Advent season in anticipation of Christmas. The Advent wreath typically holds four or five candles that are lit on each Sunday leading up to Christmas. The lighting of a new candle each week symbolizes the light of Christ coming into the world and the anticipation of his birth.

On the first Sunday of Advent, the first candle is lit. An additional candle is lit on each following Sunday. The gradual lighting of the candles helps build a sense of expectation and marks the time as it draws nearer to Christmas. Often the wreath includes white candles with a pink candle for the third Sunday, which represents joy. The center candle is called the Christ candle and is lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas day to represent the arrival of Christ, the light of the world.

By lighting candles each Sunday, families link the domestic rituals of their home with the wider church community. The visible growing light reminds them not just of Christ’s first coming at Bethlehem, but also his promise to come again. Lighting the candles and reciting Advent prayers is a simple yet meaningful way to join with centuries of Christians counting down the weeks until Christmas.

Prayer and Reflection

The soft glow of candlelight provides a peaceful ambiance that encourages prayer, meditation, and reflection during the Christmas season. As the flickering flames cast a warm light, they create a tranquil setting removed from the hectic nature of the holidays. Many Christians light candles while praying or reading the Christmas story as a way to focus their thoughts and set aside distractions.

Candlelight evokes a sense of solitude, silence, and calm. The subtle lighting dims the surroundings, directing attention inward and quieting the mind. This allows space for reflection on the meaning of Christmas, the birth of Jesus, and God’s gift of salvation. Illuminating one’s prayer corner or Advent wreath candles can establish a reverent mood for talking to God.

In the stillness of candlelight, many Christmas worship services use candles to signify Christ as the light of the world. Passing the flame from candle to candle reminds Christians to share the light of Christ. The tradition connects believers through the centuries, as generation after generation passes along the light.

Celebration and Joy

Christmas is a time of great festivity and joy as families and communities come together to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Candles help create a warm, celebratory atmosphere during the Christmas season. The soft glow of candlelight sets a festive mood and reminds us of the light that came into the world with the birth of Christ.

On Christmas Eve, many churches hold candlelight services where worshippers hold candles to symbolize Christ, the light of the world. The candlelit atmosphere creates a spirit of celebration, bringing people together in joyful community as they sing carols and read the Christmas story by flickering candlelight. Families also light candles on Christmas Eve before opening gifts, creating an excited, joyful mood. The candles’ bright flames remind us of the joy, wonder, and celebration of Christmas.

Candles are often incorporated into Christmas decorations to express festivity and joy. Christmas trees are decorated with twinkling lights, representing Christ’s light, while centerpieces feature colorful candles as focal points. Wreaths, garlands, and candleholders with burning candles add a celebratory touch to Christmas decor. As we kindle the candles each year, we remember the joy of Christmas and seek to carry that light within us throughout the year.

Warmth and Hope

The warm, flickering glow of candles evokes powerful feelings of comfort, coziness, and hope during the dark winter nights surrounding Christmas. As daylight hours grow shorter in December, candles help create a warm oasis of light, chasing away the darkness. The soft ambient lighting transforms any space into one of hygge, the Danish concept of cozy contentment.

In the depths of winter, candles remind us spring’s return is not far off. The tiny flames become tokens of the light and renewal soon to come. Candles placed in the window to guide loved ones home also spark hopes of connection and community. The candles’ gentle glow serves as a beacon through the cold nights, a silent promise that better days lie ahead. For many, the candles of Christmas represent the return of light, warmth, and hope each year.

Community and Solidarity

Lighting candles together in church services during Christmas is a unifying act that brings people together through a shared tradition. When the lights are dimmed and candles are lit, church members experience a powerful sense of community and solidarity. The soft glow illuminates the congregation, connecting people as they partake in this symbolic ritual. There is something profound about standing alongside fellow worshippers, with flickering candles in hand, heads bowed in reflection. For many Christians, this is one of the most poignant and meaningful parts of the Christmas Eve service. The candles represent the light of Christ, but also the light within each person and the light they share with one another. Lighting candles in unison helps people recognize that while they are individuals, they are also part of something greater—a community united through faith. Joining voices in song or prayer while holding the candles can be a transcendent moment during the church service. The Christmas candles remind Christians that the holiday season is not just about individual celebration, but collective gathering to commemorate the birth of Jesus. The glow of hundreds of candles throughout a silent sanctuary is a magnificent sight, radiating comfort, belonging, and brotherhood. For church members, coming together as one body to light the Christmas candles represents community, support, empathy, and the very spirit of the season.

Remembrance of Loved Ones

Lighting candles at Christmas is a way for many families to honor and remember loved ones who have passed away. The flickering candlelight represents the light of life and serves as a reminder of those no longer physically present. Setting a candle in the window or on the dinner table is a touching tradition that pays tribute to relatives and friends now gone.

The warm glow of the candle flames evokes fond memories and provides an opportunity for families to share stories about those they have lost. Lighting a candle can feel like welcoming the spirits of loved ones to join in the holiday festivities. It allows people to feel connected to those who are missed while carrying on cherished traditions.

The candle flame also symbolizes the eternal light of the human spirit. Though someone may no longer be here physically, the love and light they brought to their friends and family continues to shine. The candles keep alive the memories of joyful times spent together in the past.

Lighting remembrance candles is a simple yet profound way to honor departed friends and family during the holidays. The practice brings comfort and a sense of spiritual connection, turning a time of loss into a celebration of life.

Conclusion

The tradition of lighting candles at Christmastime holds great meaning and significance for Christians around the world. Though the specific origins are uncertain, the practice connects today’s worshippers to centuries of Christmas celebrations. The candles represent Jesus Christ, the Light of the World, and the arrival of light at Jesus’ birth. They honor Christian history and mark the Advent season leading up to the Nativity. The candles provide opportunities for prayer, reflection, joy, and community during the Christmas season. Their warm glow offers comfort, hope, and remembrance. In lighting the candles, Christians partake in a beloved tradition that burns bright with beauty, meaning, and the holiday spirit.