Daily Thought for Wednesday, December 21st

December 21, 2011

(During this week before Christmas I am going to depart from the normal format of these daily devotions and instead share some special thoughts about the traditions and symbols of Christmas that help us focus on the Real Reason for the Season)

Today’s Bible Verses:    Matthew 5:14-16 & Luke 2:1-14

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.  Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.  And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,  Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Symbols of Christmas

Christmas Candles

The Christmas holiday includes many traditions, some of which involve candles. During Christmas, candles (usually white pillars or tapers) are carried by carolers, and placed in windows and on the branches of Christmas trees. Similar customs involving candles have been practiced within other non-Christian holidays, dating back to the ancient Romans.

According to Edna Barth and Ursula Arndt, "Lighted candles are symbols, not only of Christmas, but of Easter and birthdays, too. Some form of light has marked all man's occasions of joy."

"Centuries before the birth of Jesus, people lighted torches as well as bonfires at their winter solstice rites. The ancient Scandinavians built fires to defy the Frost King."

Saturnalia

Many of the Christmas candle traditions practiced by Christians can be traced to the use of candles during the ancient Roman Saturnalia festival, a pagan celebration devoted to the Roman god Saturn.  During the Roman Saturnalia festival, the candle's light was symbolic of Saturn's light. Romans greeted one another while holding tall candle tapers, just as some Christian sects greet one another in church during Christmas ceremonies.

There has also been a tradition of putting candles in windows.  According to Barth and Arndt, "People in the Middle Ages put lighted candles in their windows on Christmas Eve to guide the Christ Child on his way. No stranger was turned away. For--who knew--he might be the Christ Child in disguise."  The custom of placing a candle in the window during the Christmas season is still kept by modern day Christians, who instead, place electric Christmas candle replicas in their windows.

Another tradition is the placing of candles on the Christmas tree.  While present day Christians place electric strands of lights on Christmas trees, it was once a popular practice to place candles on the tree. During the Victorian period, many Christians began placing candles on the Christmas tree. The candle's flame was considered to be symbolic of the star that guided the three wise men to Jesus.  Again, this custom can be connected to the Roman's use of candles during Saturnalia. "At the Saturnalia the Romans put lighted candles on small trees in honor of Saturn, who ruled their crops,"

Christmas candles also play an important role in some church ceremonies. It is a widespread practice to light a white candle during Christmas Eve church services. While the candle is lit, church members say a prayer.  The candlelight, in this tradition, symbolically represents the light of God.

Today’s Prayer

Father, may I keep my candle always burning bright and may I live so that the glow of light form your presence in me will illuminate you to the world.