In our continuation concerning the explanation of outward forms of our religious life, we shall direct your attention to the lights which illuminate this holy temple. Certainly, you have observed the different lights and candles in the several parts of the church, and you desire to know for what purpose they are used. First, let us look at the substance or matter of that which furnishes for us these beautifying and pleasing lights. These lamps around us are filled with oil of the olive. The Greek word for oil is synonymous with the word likewise used in the Greek language, which means mercy. If oil can still the troubled waters, surely we sinners ought to be convinced of the fact that the mercy of God in this quiet place often shines in our hearts, troubled with the cares of this world. The candles we burn in church are made of the wax of bees. These plain, slender white tapers of wax tell of much which is interesting and of comfort to the devout Christian. Here we have the pure substance, which is gathered from different flowers of many fields throughout the land, and we offer it to God, in humble gratitude, acknowledging His dominion in all creation. A white candle should remind you and me, as it reminded our fathers and mothers in the faith—the Christians who have gone to their rest before us—of purity in life, virginity, and of the steadfastness in our purpose to give up our entire life to Christ our God. The light of the candle should be our model in the constancy of our devotion, the warmth of our faith filled with the Holy Ghost. There are different candles, as we see; the three lights in one holder are symbolical of the Most Holy Trinity,—i.e. an open confession of our belief in God—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. The two lights, which we often see the Bishop use in blessing us, are typical of Jesus Christ, in whose Person two natures, the Divine and the human, have accomplished our salvation. The candlestick with seven lights reminds us of the seven Sacraments of the Christian Church, in each one of which we are enlightened by God’s Grace to a wider understanding of the depth of God’s wisdom. We are reminded of the creation; of the seven days, which should make up a bright week for us; and then the Sabbath—it speaks to our hearts quietly of the happy day of real life, after which no darkness of night shall follow. The seven lights are also symbolical of the principal seven gifts of the Holy Ghost, which are these: the spirit of the fear of God, the spirit of knowledge, the spirit of might, the spirit of counsel, the spirit of understanding, the spirit of wisdom, the spirit of the Lord, or the gift of piety and inspiration in the highest degree.
In the early days of the Church, Christianity was not tolerated by the Pagan world; the Christians were consequently obliged to assemble, for public worship, in the catacombs and in other secret places. As these hidden apartments did not admit the light of the sun, the faithful were obliged to have lights even in the open day. In remembrance of this, the Church still uses these lights. They represent our Savior, Who is the light of the world, who enlighteneth every man that cometh into the world, without Whom we would be wandering in darkness and in the shadow of death. Lights are used, too, as a sign of spiritual joy. St. Jerome, who lived fully 1500 years ago, remarks thus: “Throughout all the churches of the East, before the reading of the Gospel, candles are lighted at mid-day, not to dispel darkness, but as a sign of joy.”
The candle which you see carried before the Bishop reminds us that he is the chief teacher in his church, and also that he is gifted with the fullness of power to appoint other teachers. The light which the boys carry out of the Altar before the Priest and the Deacon with the holy Gospel, or the censer, is significant of St. John the Forerunner and Baptist, preparing the way for the entrance into the world of our Lord Jesus Christ. Our boys should never for a minute forget that they are standing before God Almighty, in His House of Grace; and also—if they enjoy the special privilege of being permitted to enter the inner sanctuary—it is with the gracious blessing of our Bishop, out of necessity, in this missionary country. According to the rules of the Church, one who is not an ordained minister of the Church cannot enter the altar enclosure. And so, let our light so shine before men, that they may see our good works, and glorify our Father Who is in Heaven. Amen.
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