In thinking about the decorations we use this time of year, I’ve mentioned the candles we use on the Advent wreath. But candles are used much more than that this time of year. You see all kinds of holders and glasses that display candles of every shape and size. You see candles in windows on the front of many homes. Candles give us a mental reminder that Christ is the light of the world.

You may know that there is a lot of conflict in Ireland between the Catholics and the Protestants. It goes back a long way. Centuries ago, the English overlords forbade the Irish to practice the Catholic faith. That didn’t sit very well with the Irish, because they felt compelled by the Spirit of God to practice their faith.  So when faithful Irish families longed to receive Christ’s body and blood in the mass on Christmas Eve but couldn’t do so publicly, they put candles in their windows. These candles were signals for traveling priests to approach the house, knock, come in and privately celebrate the mass.

The Candles we use in our worship services are to remind us of the Light of God’s presence among those who gather in His name for worship and praise. In many places, the candles on the Altar are called the “Sacramental candles.” The tradition is to light those candles when the congregation celebrates the Sacraments, Baptism and Holy Communion. Those candles serve as a visible reminder of Christ’s real presence among us, especially that presence we celebrate in the sacrament of Holy Communion. Jesus was born, not only to live with us, to be our Savior, to die for us – but also that He might live forever in our hearts. As we take and eat, as we take and drink, we are united with His life, and united with one another in His Spirit.

When you see candles today, remember the Light of the World, Jesus, is with you.