On that day when the child Jesus was taken to the temple, Simeon who had been promised he would not die until he saw the messiah proclaimed what we now call the Canticle of Smeon which the centerpiece of night prayer
Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace,
according to your word,
for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in sight of all the peoples:
a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and glory for your people Israel.
In a unique way the pascal candle is the symbol in every church of Christ the Light. But really every candle we light in prayer should bring our minds back to this moment
John in his gospel will pick up this theme and proclaim Jesus
In him was life and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.
Why do we need things like candles? Because we are physical beings. As such we need physical things wine, bread, water, oil, images, and candles.
Before you go to bed tonight. Light and candle and spend some time reflecting on the light of Christ in your life.
