The Easter Candle: The light of Christ in a darkened world

When I think of the divine pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night that led the Israelites during the exodus from Egypt, I am consoled by Jesus’ abiding, 24-hour pillar of presence in my life.

The Easter Candle (also known as the Christ Candle or Paschal Candle) symbolizes that Divine Presence – its flame, a symbol of Christ’s light and presence in the midst of his people, here and now, leading us out of the darkness of sin and death into the light of eternal life.

This large, pure, white wax candle symbolizes Christ and conveys the truth:  Christ is the light of the world! Approximately 27-39 inches tall and two inches in diameter, the candle has several symbols.

A Cross is the central symbol, signifying life and death. The first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, the Alpha – embedded above the Cross, and the Omega – appearing below the Cross, signify Christ, the beginning and the end. Numerals for the current year, usually placed below the Omega, signify God’s presence here and now in the gathered assembly. Five grains of incense, usually red, are pressed into the wax in the shape of a Cross. They represent Jesus’ five wounds – one in each hand and each foot and one in His side.

This great symbol of Easter is lit during the Easter Vigil, also known as the Paschal Vigil or the Great Vigil of Easter.  It occurs after sundown on Holy Saturday evening and is the first official celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus.  This most important Mass of the liturgical year begins in darkness.

After sundown, outside of the church, the ritual begins with the blessing of the Easter fire. The Easter Candle is lit from this newly blessed fire. The assembly waits in darkness, the darkness symbolizing Christ’s dark tomb. The Easter Candle is lit as the priest or deacon proclaims, “Christ our Light.”

The flame from the Easter Candle is used to light candles held by each member of the congregation, spreading the light of the risen Christ throughout the darkened church.

The words of the “Exultet,” the ancient hymn of praise, ring out: “Sound the trumpet of salvation … this is the night when Christians everywhere are restored to grace … the power of this holy night … restores lost innocence.”

“Christ our Light,” usually intoned by a deacon, joyfully proclaims that Easter has come! The assembly responds, “Thanks be to God,” as the Easter Candle is carried in procession to the sanctuary.  It is placed on the Gospel side of the altar, where it is kept burning throughout the Easer season until Pentecost.  It also is used on special occasions – for Baptisms and funerals.

A new Easter Candle is blessed and lit every year … a large, white pillar of fire that continues to spread the light of the risen Christ to a darkened world. Christ is our Light! He is our hope and the cause of our joy and celebration. Thanks be to God.

Jeanette Martino Land has been a freelance Christian writer since 1990 and has been published by numerous publications, including Ligouri Publications.