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
On Easter morning we introduced a new large candle to our sanctuary. Beth, one of our newly baptized members and recent confirmation student, processed down the aisle as we sang our opening hymn. This is the Paschal candle, a visible reminder that Jesus is the light of life who scatters our darkness. On Good Friday, the scriptures tell us that darkness covered Jerusalem as Jesus was crucified. The light that the Paschal candle shines forth is the same light that dawned on Easter morning, bringing new hope to our world.
Paschal is from the Greek word pascha (“Passover”) and was used by the early church to describe the events of Easter. This candle will be lit during our worship throughout the season of Easter, the season that celebrates the Resurrection of our Lord. After Pentecost, the candle will no longer be lit on Sundays, as the liturgical season shifts to focus on the presence of the light of Christ in our lives and world through the presence of the Holy Spirit.
The Paschal candle will always be lit for baptisms and funerals, however, a permanent reminder of the centrality of the death and resurrection of our Lord. A small candle, lit from the Paschal candle will be given to the newly baptized: “You have been enlightened by Christ.” At our funerals, the candle reminds us of the hope that comes with God’s promise of new life in Christ.
May the candle remind you that Christ is risen indeed. And may its flame guide your path and enlighten your world!
On Easter morning we introduced a new large candle to our sanctuary. Beth, one of our newly baptized members and recent confirmation student, processed down the aisle as we sang our opening hymn. This is the Paschal candle, a visible reminder that Jesus is the light of life who scatters our darkness. On Good Friday, the scriptures tell us that darkness covered Jerusalem as Jesus was crucified. The light that the Paschal candle shines forth is the same light that dawned on Easter morning, bringing new hope to our world.
Paschal is from the Greek word pascha (“Passover”) and was used by the early church to describe the events of Easter. This candle will be lit during our worship throughout the season of Easter, the season that celebrates the Resurrection of our Lord. After Pentecost, the candle will no longer be lit on Sundays, as the liturgical season shifts to focus on the presence of the light of Christ in our lives and world through the presence of the Holy Spirit.
The Paschal candle will always be lit for baptisms and funerals, however, a permanent reminder of the centrality of the death and resurrection of our Lord. A small candle, lit from the Paschal candle will be given to the newly baptized: “You have been enlightened by Christ.” At our funerals, the candle reminds us of the hope that comes with God’s promise of new life in Christ.
May the candle remind you that Christ is risen indeed. And may its flame guide your path and enlighten your world!
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