Traditionally the second day of February was called Candlemas. It seems that with ever-lengthening days by early February people used one less candle to light the household at night.
In the past candles were essential sources of light during the hours of darkness. Today candles, though not as essential, are still popular. They are used for decoration, but also to create atmosphere. In the Christian tradition candles have always been used as an important symbol of faith. The candle is a simple reminder that Jesus rose from the darkness of death, that he is alive as our risen Lord and that he is constantly present with us lighting our way to our Father’s house. The candle is also a symbol of our baptism. When we were baptised we were received into the glow and warmth of God’s love and became followers of Jesus.
Of course in the Christian tradition candles are used as aids to prayer. They help us express to God what is going on in our hearts. When we light a candle at a shrine in a church we are placing a personal intention, something dear to us, into God’s care and protection. What is more, we are also making an offering of ourselves and our daily activities to God.
The symbolism of using a candle as an offering of our lives to God is powerfully significant. It suggests that our offering creates light. This is what happened at the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple which we recall each year on 2nd February. When Mary and Joseph offered Jesus to the Father they were told that the offering they were making would become the light not just of their own lives but of the whole world. The old man Simeon made this prophecy: “My eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared for all the nations to see, a light to enlighten the gentiles and the glory of your people Israel” (Luke 2:30).
Both the flame of a tiny candle and the words of Simeon are reminders to us that every gift of ourselves, every act of generosity, every sacrifice we make creates light, a light which lights up the darkness in our world, a light the darkness cannot overcome. It is indeed much better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.