The History and Importance of the
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
Sasha Bush
The Ashland Beacon
There’s something magical about Christmas Eve—an evening brimming with anticipation, peace, and wonder. And no tradition captures this spirit quite like the candlelight service. Churches around the world dim their lights, and in the flickering glow of countless candles, congregations come together to celebrate the arrival of Christ. It’s a tradition steeped in history and rich with spiritual significance, creating moments of awe, reflection, and unity. Whether you’re a lifelong attendee or a newcomer, the Christmas Eve candlelight service offers a profound experience that lingers long after the last candle is extinguished.
The practice of using candles in religious ceremonies dates back to ancient times, and for Christians, it’s a symbol brimming with meaning. Long before the tradition of the Christmas Eve candlelight service began, early Christians were lighting candles as a powerful sign of hope. Drawing from Jewish traditions, where lamps were lit during sacred rituals, Christians embraced the light as a way to symbolize Jesus Christ—the “Light of the World” who would dispel darkness and bring salvation to humanity.
This potent symbolism of light piercing through darkness has endured for centuries. The act of lighting candles serves as a reminder of Christ’s presence in the world—bringing peace, illumination, and hope to those who follow Him. The Christmas season, particularly, is a time of anticipation and reflection, and the candlelight service beautifully encapsulates the season’s deeper meaning: the arrival of the Savior.
Over time, the simple act of lighting candles evolved into the beautiful ritual we know today as the Christmas Eve candlelight service. While the tradition of using light during church services has been central to Christian worship throughout the liturgical year—especially during significant seasons like Advent and Holy Week—the Christmas Eve service has become one of the most cherished. This is the night when Christians gather to commemorate the birth of Christ, and the dim glow of candlelight serves as a perfect backdrop for reflecting on the significance of this holy event.
A typical Christmas Eve candlelight service is intentionally designed to deepen the worship experience. It often begins in a darkened or softly lit room, symbolizing the world’s darkness before the arrival of Christ. The service traditionally begins with the lighting of a single candle, representing the birth of Jesus, the one who came to illuminate the world. As the service progresses, this initial light is passed from person to person, gradually filling the room with warmth and brightness. This gradual spreading of light mirrors the spread of the Gospel and the call for believers to share the light of Christ with others.
Several key components make the candlelight service a memorable and moving experience. Each element is designed to encourage reflection, worship, and a sense of community:
Scripture Readings: The service typically includes readings from the Bible that focus on the themes of light, hope, and redemption. Passages from the book of Isaiah, the Gospels, or the writings of early Christians remind attendees of the foundational truths of the faith and the miraculous nature of Christ’s birth.
Hymns and Music: The music played during the service is often deeply reflective, with classic Christmas hymns like “Silent Night”, “O Holy Night”, or “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”. The congregation joins together in song, creating a sense of shared celebration and reverence. The combination of music and candlelight creates an atmosphere that is both peaceful and profound.
Prayers: As with any worship service, prayers provide an opportunity for personal and communal reflection. Prayers of gratitude, hope, and supplication fill the space, inviting worshippers to reflect on Christ’s birth, their personal faith journeys, and the state of the world.
Sermon or Reflection: A brief sermon or reflection often centers on the significance of Christ’s light coming into the world. It’s a time to focus on the hope that Christmas brings and to challenge congregants to be bearers of that light in their own lives.
The Christmas Eve candlelight service is much more than a simple tradition—it’s an experience that unites people in a profound way. The symbolism of lighting the candles and passing the light from one person to another is a beautiful reminder of the community of faith. Each flame represents a piece of the larger story, a shared hope in Christ’s redemptive power.
This act of passing the light also underscores the responsibility Christians have to share the love, hope, and peace they’ve received with others. As the light spreads from person to person, so too does the message of Christ’s love, which is meant to reach beyond the walls of the church and into the world.
In the midst of the often-hectic holiday season, the Christmas Eve candlelight service offers a rare moment of stillness and tranquility. It’s a time to pause and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas: the arrival of Christ, who is the light of the world. The growing light throughout the service symbolizes not only Christ’s presence but also the strength and unity of the Christian community. It’s a collective moment where individuals come together, casting aside the distractions of everyday life, and focus on what truly matters—faith, hope, and the love that binds them together.
For many, the experience of holding a candle and singing a familiar hymn is deeply moving. The soft glow of the candles, the harmonies of the choir, and the sense of shared worship create an atmosphere of peace and reverence that touches the heart. The candlelight service becomes a space for both remembrance and anticipation—a time to reflect on the birth of Christ and to look forward with hope to the future.
The importance of the Christmas Eve candlelight service goes beyond the ritual itself. It’s about the way it touches people’s hearts and minds, offering a tangible expression of the light and hope Christians are called to share with the world. The act of passing the flame from one person to another reminds worshippers that faith is a communal journey, where each person has a role in sharing the light of Christ with others.
For those who attend, it’s a powerful reminder that in the darkest of times, light will always prevail. As each candle is lit, it serves as a testament to the enduring power of hope, faith, and love in a world that can often feel dark and uncertain.
The Christmas Eve candlelight service is a beloved tradition that brings together people of all ages and backgrounds, drawing them into a moment of collective worship and reflection. It is a symbol of the light Christ brought into the world, a light that continues to shine through believers today. Whether you are attending for the first time or are a seasoned participant, the Christmas Eve service offers a rare opportunity to experience the joy, peace, and unity that comes from gathering together to celebrate the birth of Jesus. It’s an experience that stays with you long after the candles are extinguished and the service comes to a close, filling you with a renewed sense of hope and purpose for the year ahead.