Introduction:
Candles, as a source of light, have been used throughout history in various religious and cultural contexts. In the Bible, while the specific mention of "candles" as we understand them today is not prevalent, the concept of light holds significant symbolic meaning. The use of light, including lamps and candles, often represents divine presence, guidance, and the illumination of truth.

Biblical Context and Symbolism:
In biblical times, oil lamps were more commonly used than candles. These lamps, fueled by olive oil, served as a primary source of light in homes and places of worship. The symbolism of light is deeply embedded in Scripture, often representing God's presence and the revelation of His truth.

· Light as Divine Presence:
The Bible frequently uses light to symbolize God's presence. In Exodus 13:21 , it is written, "And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them along the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night." Here, light signifies God's guidance and protection.

· Jesus as the Light of the World:
In the New Testament, Jesus is described as the light of the world. John 8:12 states, "Once again, Jesus spoke to them, saying, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.'" This passage highlights the role of Christ as the spiritual light that dispels darkness and brings life.

· Believers as Light Bearers:
Christians are called to be light bearers in the world. Matthew 5:14-16 says, "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." This passage encourages believers to live in a way that reflects God's light to others.

Historical and Cultural Use of Candles:
While the Bible does not specifically mention candles, their use in religious practices has a long history. In the early Christian church, candles were used during worship services and ceremonies, symbolizing the light of Christ. The practice of lighting candles in prayer and remembrance continues in many Christian traditions today.

Candles in Worship and Tradition:
Candles are often used in Christian liturgical settings to create an atmosphere of reverence and to symbolize the presence of the Holy Spirit. They are commonly seen on altars, during Advent, and in other religious observances. The lighting of candles can serve as a visual reminder of the light of Christ and the call for believers to be a light in the world.

Conclusion:
The use of candles, while not explicitly detailed in Scripture, aligns with the broader biblical theme of light as a representation of God's presence, guidance, and truth. Through the symbolism of light, believers are reminded of their role to reflect the light of Christ in a world often shrouded in darkness.Matthew 5:15
Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it gives light to all that are in the house.
Topicalbible.org

Luke 8:16
No man, when he has lighted a candle, covers it with a vessel, or puts it under a bed; but sets it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light.
Topicalbible.org

Luke 11:36
If your whole body therefore be full of light, having no part dark, the whole shall be full of light, as when the bright shining of a candle does give you light.
Topicalbible.org

A Burning and Shining Lamp.
... comes in view, then to light, in the last flicker, twenty, thirty, or a hundred
candles at once; so that as one expires they may begin burning and spreading ...
//christianbookshelf.org/meyer/john the baptist/xiii a burning and shining.htm

Those for whom Christ Prayed --"Sanctify Them. "
... Pointed arches, sculptured capitals, fretted altars, swinging censers, burning candles,
white-robed choir-boys, errorless order in church service"these ...
/.../rees/the heart-cry of jesus/chapter iii those for whom.htm

A Book for Boys and Girls Or, Temporal Things Spritualized.
... it be the silly flies. Thus none like burning candles in the night, Nor
ought[26] to holy living for delight. But let us draw towards ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a book for boys and.htm

The Mysteries of the Brazen Serpent
... flowers now and then where the gas lamps should be, has a most extraordinary influence
in carrying away our souls to paradise; that burning candles in the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/the mysteries of the brazen.htm

The Consistories of More Note: Out of the Babylonian Talmud ...
... 'A candle in Beror Chel.'"The Gloss writes, "The light of one candle in the
day-time, but many candles burning in the night, gave a sign, as if one had given ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 96 the consistories of.htm

Removal of the Body from Nicomedia to the Palace at Constantinople ...
... Here it was placed in an elevated position in the principal chamber of the imperial
palace, and surrounded by candles burning in candlesticks of gold ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/chapter lxvi removal of the body.htm

A visit from vigilantius
... under a bloodstained cross. Another of his novelties is to have endless
candles burning round the shrine of St. Felix, even in the ...
/.../chapter xl a visit from.htm

Separating the Precious from the Vile
... When they met together they must meet in the catacombs, burning candles at high
noon, because there was darkness in the depths of the earth. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/separating the precious from the.htm

On Idolatry
... when they do reverence to all and to each of them by altars, masses, festivals or
holy days, vigils, fasts, images, candles, offerings, by burning incense, by ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 23 on idolatry.htm

Hymns of Wales.
... The candles lit and left burning here and there by Penry, Maurice, and the Owens,
blazed up to beacon-fires through all the twelve counties when Harris, at the ...
/.../brown/the story of the hymns and tunes/chapter xi hymns of wales.htm

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