Candles have a way of just being there – of silently sending out their light, giving us hope and a sense of peace if we let them. No matter how long the nights are, or how dark our days, they remind us that there is always even just a small flicker of hope and light to be found.

One of the traditions in the Anglican church is to light a candle at Easter which reminds us that Jesus has risen, brings light and hope to the world, and is with us today. We call this candle the “paschal” candle because it comes from the Hebrew word “Pesach” which means the Passover, the Jewish festival which Jesus was celebrating at the Last Supper, before he was crucified. This candle, then, reminds us that after the death of Jesus, came the resurrection and the light and hope that Jesus brings as the Risen Christ and as the Light of the World.

When we light this candle in chapel-assembly each week this term, we will say this response together as a prayer and an affirmation:

May the light of Christ, rising in glory, banish all darkness from our hearts and minds.

All: Thanks be to God.

The light and the hope of the risen Christ be with you.

All: And also with you.

You might like to hold onto this prayer as the days get colder and the nights get longer this term – and even light a candle too!