Candle Lighting Wording
Option 1 Religious/Christian
Officiant:
In Christian worship traditionally, the lighting of candles has many spiritual meanings. The light of candle represents the light of a person’s life. The flame represents the eternal truth of God. The light shining forth represents God’s truth shining forth upon the world. For believers to collectively light a candle, represents the sharing and fellowship of faith; and traditionally represents the unity of the individual believers with Christ and the body of believers of Christianity, both in this world and in heaven.
I ask each Godparent and each parent to take one of the candles and light this candle. Then, together, light the center candle for _______, as the light of his/her life.
I ask that at the conclusion of this service, each of you keep your candle for this reason:
Should there be a time in _______’s future for which he/she faces difficult times of trial, or be called upon to make grave decisions – of hardship or joy, or become lost in spirit – you should, as the duty and obligation you have assumed today – find a quiet place alone to yourself. Light this candle or another and through pray ask for the safekeeping of ____ in both body and soul from our Heavenly Father, and the spiritual guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Officiant:
In Christian worship traditionally, the lighting of candles has many spiritual meanings. The light of candle represents the light of a person’s life. The flame represents the eternal truth of God. The light shining forth represents God’s truth shining forth upon the world. For believers to collectively light a candle, represents the sharing and fellowship of faith; and traditionally represents the unity of the individual believers with Christ and the body of believers of Christianity, both in this world and in heaven.
I ask each Godparent and each parent to take one of the candles and light this candle. Then, together, light the center candle for _______, as the light of his/her life.
I ask that at the conclusion of this service, each of you keep your candle for this reason:
Should there be a time in _______’s future for which he/she faces difficult times of trial, or be called upon to make grave decisions – of hardship or joy, or become lost in spirit – you should, as the duty and obligation you have assumed today – find a quiet place alone to yourself. Light this candle or another and through pray ask for the safekeeping of ____ in both body and soul from our Heavenly Father, and the spiritual guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Option 2 Poem
Officiant:
I ask that the parents and godparents each take one of the candles and light it.
These candles symbolize hope and new life in the world.
Then, together, light the center candle for (Child’s name) as the light of his life.
May the blessing of light be with you always,
Light without and light within.
May the sun shine upon you and warm your heart
Until it grows like a great fire,
So that others may feel the warmth of it.
And may the light of your eyes shine like two candle lights
In a window at night bidding the wanderer
To come in out of the dark and cold.
And may the blessing of the rain be upon you.
The sweet and tender rain, may it fall upon your spirit,
As when flowers spring up and fragrance fills the air.
And may the blessings of the great rain wash you clean and fair,
And may the storms always leave you stronger and more beautiful.
And when the rains are over may there be clear pools of water
Made beautiful by the radiance of your light,
As when a star shines beautiful in the night,
Pointing the way for all of us.
Be fearless and pure; never waver in your determination
or your dedication to the spiritual life.
Give freely, be peaceful, sincere, truthful, loving and live life with an open heart.
Be compassionate and gentle, show good will to all.
God bless you _____ and welcome to the world.
Officiant:
I ask that the parents and godparents each take one of the candles and light it.
These candles symbolize hope and new life in the world.
Then, together, light the center candle for (Child’s name) as the light of his life.
May the blessing of light be with you always,
Light without and light within.
May the sun shine upon you and warm your heart
Until it grows like a great fire,
So that others may feel the warmth of it.
And may the light of your eyes shine like two candle lights
In a window at night bidding the wanderer
To come in out of the dark and cold.
And may the blessing of the rain be upon you.
The sweet and tender rain, may it fall upon your spirit,
As when flowers spring up and fragrance fills the air.
And may the blessings of the great rain wash you clean and fair,
And may the storms always leave you stronger and more beautiful.
And when the rains are over may there be clear pools of water
Made beautiful by the radiance of your light,
As when a star shines beautiful in the night,
Pointing the way for all of us.
Be fearless and pure; never waver in your determination
or your dedication to the spiritual life.
Give freely, be peaceful, sincere, truthful, loving and live life with an open heart.
Be compassionate and gentle, show good will to all.
God bless you _____ and welcome to the world.
Option 3 Combined:
Officiant:
I ask that the parents and godparents each take one of the candles and light it.
These candles symbolize hope and new life in the world.
Then, together, light the center candle for ____, as the light of her life.
J_____, may the blessing of light be with you always,
Light without and light within.
May the sun shine upon you and warm your heart
Until it grows like a great fire,
So that others may feel the warmth of it.
And may the light of your eyes shine like two candle lights
In a window at night bidding the wanderer
To come in out of the dark and cold.
And may the blessings of God be upon you.
Be fearless and pure; give freely, be peaceful, sincere, truthful, loving and live life with an open heart.
Be compassionate and gentle, show good will to all.
I ask that at the conclusion of this service, each of you keep your candle for this reason:
Should there be a time in _______’s future for which he/she faces difficult times of trial, or be called upon to make grave decisions – of hardship or joy, or become lost in spirit – you should, as the duty and obligation you have assumed today – find a quiet place alone to yourself. Light this candle or another and through pray ask for the safekeeping of ____ in both body and soul from our Heavenly Father, and the spiritual guidance of the Holy Spirit
Officiant:
I ask that the parents and godparents each take one of the candles and light it.
These candles symbolize hope and new life in the world.
Then, together, light the center candle for ____, as the light of her life.
J_____, may the blessing of light be with you always,
Light without and light within.
May the sun shine upon you and warm your heart
Until it grows like a great fire,
So that others may feel the warmth of it.
And may the light of your eyes shine like two candle lights
In a window at night bidding the wanderer
To come in out of the dark and cold.
And may the blessings of God be upon you.
Be fearless and pure; give freely, be peaceful, sincere, truthful, loving and live life with an open heart.
Be compassionate and gentle, show good will to all.
I ask that at the conclusion of this service, each of you keep your candle for this reason:
Should there be a time in _______’s future for which he/she faces difficult times of trial, or be called upon to make grave decisions – of hardship or joy, or become lost in spirit – you should, as the duty and obligation you have assumed today – find a quiet place alone to yourself. Light this candle or another and through pray ask for the safekeeping of ____ in both body and soul from our Heavenly Father, and the spiritual guidance of the Holy Spirit
