Why we light a candle
It's comfort, hope, unity, remembrance - and knowing we are not alone
When tragedy strikes.
When a loved one dies.
When we come together for unity.
We hold candlelight vigils at these times.
It’s often spontaneous: there’s been another act of violence; there’s been a tragic death; there’s something the whole community is feeling.
Lighting a candle in the dark is a symbolic ritual of hope and healing.
It’s also an act of faith.
Hope, healing, light, life. We know it comes from God, and we know it will overcome the darkness.
Candlelight vigils are, on the surface, about us. Our pain, suffering, grief, anxiety.
We are trying to comfort ourselves, and each other. We are holding each other up - and literally holding onto the light.
But deep down, it’s also our hope in God. In the world’s redemption and salvation. In the promise of resurrection.
In love that is stronger than death.
‘I am the light of the world’, Jesus says (John 8:12).
Christians have been lighting candles for centuries:
To represent the light of Christ
To symbolize prayers ascending to God
To illuminate Scripture reading
To kindle the new fire of Resurrection
Today we light candles on the altar when we celebrate the Eucharist, we light the Paschal candle at Easter, when we baptize and during funerals.
And during the season of Advent.
Advent is the season of preparation for the four weeks before Christmas.
It’s our candlelight vigil for the whole world.
It’s offering our prayers, laments, and intercessions.
It’s coming together in community, united in faith and hope.
It’s the comfort of knowing that God’s love surrounds us.
It’s an act of resistance against the darkness we see all around us.
It’s our belief that the light of Christ will overcome it.
Join us in Advent for our Intensive Practice of Vigil.
Week 1 (Nov 30): Wake Up
Gospel: “Keep awake, for you do not know the hour”
We move from hyper-vigilance to danger to purposeful alertness for God’s presence.Week 2 (Dec 7): Prepare the Way
Gospel: John the Baptist - “Make his paths straight”
We practice the uncomfortable work of spiritual preparation - repentance.Week 3 (Dec 14): Keep Watching (Even When You Doubt)
Gospel: Even John doubts - “Are you the one?”
We learn to recognize God’s action even when it doesn’t look like we expected.Week 4 (Dec 21 - The Longest Night): God Is With Us
Gospel: “They shall name him Emmanuel - God with us”
We watch through the darkest night because we know the light is coming.
