They symbolize the divine presence in the sanctuary and the spiritual enlightenment which the Gospel brings. In particular the two candles or two groups of candles placed on the altar signify Christ in His divine and human natures.
"I am the light of the world." See St. John 8:12; St. Matt. 4:16; St. Luke 2:32.
Lights were first used by the early Christians for the purpose of illumination, when they were obliged, on account of persecution, to meet for worship secretly, in the night or before daybreak, and afterwards their use was retained, for the sake of their beauty and significance.
There purpose was to make the churches bright and beautiful, to drive away darkness, just as the Gospel should drive away sin and sadness from peoples hearts.
Holy Scripture for the symbolic use of lights See Ex. 25:31; 40:25. Livit. 24:2; II Chron. 13:II.
Not that the symbolic use of lights is necessary in Christian churches, but only that what God commanded under the Old Testament dispensation cannot be sinful under the New.
2006-08-30 11:16:38
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answer #1
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answered by Anonymous
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Many things attached to religious worship, like candles, music, perfumes, ablutions, floral decorations, canopies, fans, screens, bells, vestments, etc. are shared by many if not all religions.
They are part of the natural language of mystical expression. Many are even used in secular ceremonies.
In Christianity, candles have been used as a symbol of the spiritual enlightenment of Jesus Christ since the earliest Church days.
With love in Christ.
2006-09-04 14:42:16
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answer #2
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answered by imacatholic2 7
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Tradition
2006-09-07 02:51:43
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answer #3
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answered by sher7us 3
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Oil lamps are also used. Besides the Light dispelling the Darkness, the oils and the waxes infuse the air with a mystical perfume. Beeswas is especially nice.
2006-09-07 01:21:01
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answer #4
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answered by Anonymous
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ok, you ought to comprehend that Christianity doesnt have roots in this aforementioned theory. December twenty 5th isn't Christ birthday. He died on Nisan 14th on the Jewish calendar. He grow to be 33 a million/2 yrs previous while he died. The month and date he died grow to be April 14th. in case you count variety back 6 months from that date, it takes you to early October to late September. you're puzzling Egyptian ideals with Christianity. maximum of those are accident, yet no longer biblical. those suggestions are from a American or English point of view, and because Jesus died for all human beings, that comparable rhetoric has to prepare to jap, chinese language, Russian etc... The go grow to be applied by utilising Constantine, no longer the Apostles or any of the Apostolic fathers. Constantine grow to be rooted in witchcraft and pagan rites. So we cant save on along with his credence, while it is mired with falsehoods that the bible contradicts.
2016-10-01 02:16:52
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answer #5
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answered by luera 4
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It is the most easy to handle lamp irrespective of the location you use. Environment friendly as well. It produces carbondioxide and moisture only upon burning.
2006-09-06 22:09:33
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answer #6
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answered by latterviews 5
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Because in ancient times it was the cheapest form of artificial lighting.
2006-09-06 09:54:37
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answer #7
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answered by rich k 6
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Because it looks cool, and you can blow it out and pass flame from one person to the next. Everything else is just tradition.
2006-08-30 04:06:50
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answer #8
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answered by 006 6
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Well I don't. I just stare out the window and pray to god with my eyes open. I even talk to him like he's a normal friend. He doesn't mind, cause as long as you're praying, you're praying.
2006-09-06 15:56:23
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answer #9
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answered by Anonymous
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I think it goes back to bible times, to remember when the oil ran out, but they still had enough to keep their lamps
light ( I could be wrong, bit I think it has to do w/ that )
check out: www.crosswalk.com , maybe that will be helpful
2006-08-30 04:07:02
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answer #10
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answered by start 6-22-06 summer time Mom 6
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