Candles have always had a role in the celebrations around the winter solstice, and there is no exception for Christmas.
They were used prior to Christmas as signs of the coming spring. The way that candlelight pierces through the darkness seemed to fit in well with the solstice and the desire for spring to arrive.
As the ancient world turned into Christendom, the winter solstice became Christmas. Along with many other pagan traditions, candles were Christianized.
Christmas Candles Christian History
Jesus is known as the "Light of the World," and throughout his life, he often refers to light and darkness.
It was only natural for candles to be able to portray this illustration, and soon, their use changed.
The earliest record known of candles used around Christmas was when it was used as the Star of Bethlehem. Candles would also be used during Advent and Hanukah (also known as the Festival of Lights).
In recent times, candles continue to be used during Hanukah to light the menorah, and Christians use it for their Christmas Eve candlelight service.
The candlelight services are beautiful sights that feature the retelling of the Christmas story through song and scripture. Usually, the participants are seated in rows, and one candle from each row is lit, and that candle will then light the next, and so on. It is a reminder of how Christianity spread from the "Light of the World" to the rest of the nations.
That is how candles are mostly used today. However, candles have found themselves in other parts of Christmas as well.
- Candles were used to decorate Christmas Trees before electric lights were invented. I am sure that this came as a relief since electric lights are much safer.
- Christmas Carolers would and still may use candles while bringing Christmas cheer to everyone.
- Candles were and still are used during Kwanzaa winter festivities
- In Southern India, Christians use small oil lamps on a flat roof
- Chinese Christians use paper candles to decorate their Christmas trees.
- The Swedish use candles to celebrate St. Lucia's Day
Scented candles have also become popular Christmas gifts.
Candles are often overlooked because we see them throughout the year. However, they remain a consistent Christmas tradition.