Light

     One of the spiritual practices that people enjoy at our church is lighting our votive candles. They have been installed in our Newcomers Chapel recently and are a welcome addition. The word votive comes from the Latin word “votum ” meaning vow or promise. Lighting a candle serves as a visible extension of a prayer. 

     Early Christians used candles to provide light for nighttime services. They quickly took on religious symbolism representing Christ as the light of the world.

John 8:12 tells us “Again, Jesus spoke to them, saying ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.’”

     When I light a candle and invoke a loved one’s name, I take comfort in knowing that my prayer lives on, even after I have left the church. Jesus is the light of the world and the burning candle reminds me of His everlasting, ever living love for us all. Although I did not grow up with this faith expression, I am enjoying it and apparently others of us are appreciating it too.