Candles are used for a variety of purposes in both religious and non-religious contexts.  In my house, it is rare that a candle isn’t burning as my wife loves to infuse the home with seasonal scents.  In the Orthodox Church, candles are used regularly in worship.  Parishioners light a candle to symbolize the light of God.

Every year on Christmas Eve (January 6th), devout Orthodox light candles and put them in their windows.  Not only do these candles represent the light that has come into the world through Jesus, but also as a reminder that their home is open for Jesus to come.  If you remember, when Joseph and Mary went to Bethlehem, there was no room for them to stay. Our prayer is that Jesus would truly come and dwell in this place, that many would come to know Him and find salvation in Jesus.  May all of us also “light a candle” declaring that we are open for Jesus to come and reign in our lives.