The 2 December was the first Sunday of Advent, marking the beginning of the liturgical year for most Western Christian Churches.
Like Lent, Advent marks a period of preparation for us, this time as we wait for Christmas Day, which marks symbolically the birth of Jesus Christ.
Light is an important part of the symbolism. On an Advent wreath, there are four candles. The first was lit on Sunday, and one more is lit on each of the remaining three Sundays of Advent, symbolising the approaching birth of Christ, the Light of the World for Christians.
At this time of the year, when darkness falls so early in the Northern hemisphere and we rapidly approach the Winter Solstice, the contrast between light and dark and the symbolism of the journey towards increasing light is very beautiful.
It is a joy that is shared in Judaism: the first day of Hannukah, the Festival of Lights, begins at sundown today. It lasts for eight days and nights.
It marks the re-dedication of the Temple in Jerusalem following victory over the Seleucids, who had forbidden Jewish religious practice. The Talmud has it that there was only enough oil to light the eternal flame in the Temple for one day, but miraculously the oil lasted for eight days and nights, enough time to press and prepare fresh oil.
The Menorah holds eight candles, plus a central taller candle (the shamash, or servant, from which the others are lit). To commemorate the eight days of that miraculous oil, the first candle is lit on the first evening of Hannukah, with an additional flame on each successive evening.
What is it about the symbolism of candles? Light yes, of course, light is sacred (as is darkness). But there is something specifically about candles that seems to hold instinctive significance for us. We see them held at prison vigils, at religious services of all kinds and types, we use them to signify age on birthday cakes, and on the table for special meals. Children adore them.
I think it’s that there’s something intrinsically ritualistic and deliberate about the act of lighting and later extinguishing of a candle that calls to us. Often in our lives today, precious little ritual or tradition is observed. This simple act goes to the heart of our need for small moments of quiet and contemplation, whether it is on an Advent wreath, a Hannukah Menorah, or in private prayer and meditation.
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tess–thank you so much for this. one of my “list items” this morning was to do a little research on hannukah, because i have an increasing number of jewish friends around the country. glad i came here first
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also, i love your reflection (pun intended) on candles. when i allow myself that small ritual of lighting a candle before i start my quiet time it adds a sacred element to the time. today i am burning one of zena moon’s candles called “speak the truth.”
glad you are feeling better and back to regular blogging. i missed you! i am hoping for a little more regular blogging myself.
Thanks Lucy. What I should have said above, is that the nine-branch menorah is for Hannukah, for the reasons above, but the more usual rest of the year is the seven-branch menorah.
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