With All Saints on the horizon, I’ve been ruminating here on beautiful, symbolic ritual actions. But an incredible moment can “tank” when we don’t think about details… especially when it involves FIRE!

Hi, I’m Marcia. I am a candle-holic. Seriously, at one point I had to ban myself from buying any more candles. I love everything about candles… the beauty of the candle itself and the amazing light that only a room lit totally by candles can offer. I love the procession of candles, I love the look of an altar with a dazzling display of light. And I love the symbolism that light holds in the Christian tradition.

One Sunday I had youth processing into worship during a reading with all kinds of scriptural reference to light (see attached). They would set the pillar candles on the altar where the Christ candle was already lit. I told the youth exactly where to place the pillar candles so that when the acolyte came at the end of the service to take the Christ light out, the other candles would not be in the way. Well… you may be seeing the writing on the wall at this point. Yep, despite my best efforts, the acolyte went forward, reached out his arm to get the light and promptly dipped the angel-sleeve of the acolyte “outfit” right into a flame. Poof. Up in smoke. A youth on the front row jumped up and began beating the “bejezzus” out of the acolyte, fixing the problem but creating quite the dramatic moment.

And the best part, all while we were joyfully singing, “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine!” Yep, you just can’t make this stuff up.

Be sure to visit our Worship Design Studio Pinterest page to see lots of great ideas for candle containers!

Light Call To Worship