Vol. II, No. 3: 1. Inner Space: Candlelight and the Holidays

The holy days at the beginning of winter are all associated with candlelight, and there is nothing quite like it to transform the spaces within. ...
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Channukah ...
The centerpiece of the Chanukah celebration is the menorah -- the holder with its spaces for eight candles, all in a row, including those with the space, slightly elevated from the other, for the ninth shamash or servant candle, from which the other may be lit.

On the first night of Chanukah, only one candle is lit. Then, on each successive night, one more is added. The additional candles are added from right to left, but are lit from left to right, beginning with the one most recently added.

Strictly speaking, the candles in the menorah are not there to be enjoyed as a source of light or pleasure. They are lit to remind one of the miracle which Chanukah celebrates. According to some, that is why the shamash or 'servant' candle is lit, so that any incidental pleasure may be attributed to it. While there are other prayers that are also recited on each night of Chanukah, there is one particularly for the lighting of the candles. ...

Barukh atah Adonai, Elohaynu, melekh ha-olam
Blessed are you, Lord, our God, king of the universe

asher keed'shanu b'meetzvotav v'tzeevanu
who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us

l’had’lik neir shel Chanukkah (Amein)
to light the candles of Chanukkah (Amen)

Advent & Christmas ...
The traditional candles associated with most Christian celebration begin with the lighting of the Advent Candle on the First Sunday of Advent. Four candles are placed within a circle formed by a wreath of evergreen. Traditionally, three of the candles are violet , while the one for the Third Sunday of Advent is rose, corresponding to the color of the vestments worn by the priest during Advent mass. {Modern practice has often substituted purple for the violet, and pink for the rose candles.} The violet color is a symbol of penitence, in preparation for the coming of the Messiah, while the rose corresponds to the theme of rejoicing [Gaudete] of the Third Sunday, when the hymn O Come, O Come Emanuel is sung. In some traditions, a larger {fifth} white candle is placed in the middle.

The prayers for the various Sundays of Advent differ from one to another and, in fact, change through a three-year cycle in the newer liturgy since Vatican II and the subsequent changes that have come about. Those interested should consult a breviary {Book of Hours} or similar source.

Once Christmas comes, the Advent wreath is not necessarily used any longer, although it is customary to continue to light candles in honor of the birth of Christ and the the season. The color of the candles used most often changes to white, to signify the joy associated with the birth of Christ, although more modern tradition has often substituted the colors that have come to be associated with the Christmas season -- red and green.

Finally, in some cultures, it was, and in others, it still remains traditional to use candles on the Christmas tree itself.* That is what we have been doing at our home for more than twenty years. ...

There is nothing quite like candlelight around the holidays. Fire is elemental and mysterious, and the significance of this season of miracles is only made all the more palpable by the presence of the flames. ... Yet, even if you're not celebrating a holy day or season, any room in your home can be transformed in a moment by the addition of candlelight. And given the mystery of their light, you can, too.

*Note: Those who may, understandably, be concerned about the use of candles on the tree should keep several things in mind. First, it is important to have the proper holders. We used small candle holders with quite strong springs which fasten securely to the branches. Secondly, each of the candle holders is placed out toward the end of branches which are strong enough to support them, and directly above which there are no other branches or decoration so as not to give the heat anything to 'catch'. Third, we cut our own tree on the morning or early afternoon of Christmas Eve and put it up that evening, meaning it has not had a chance to begin to dry out sitting on a lot somewhere, or standing in the dry winter air of the house for a longer period. Fourth, we make sure to provide the tree with plenty of fresh water each day and, sometimes, twice a day. Finally, we never leave the candles burning on the tree if we leave the house or go to bed. In fact, it has become something of a tradition to simply sit and watch them burn, singing hymns and carols until the last flame has died down.

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