Easter Candle
The
Easter Candle is first lit during the Easter Vigil service on the
evening of Holy Saturday. The rekindling of fire and light during the
service symbolizes the triumph of Christ's resurrection over darkness
and sin.
Before the candle is lit, fire is kindled and blessed. A cross is then
inscribed on the candle, followed by the letters A (alpha) and Ω
(omega), the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, 'Christ
yesterday and today, the beginning and the end'. The four numerals of
the current year are then traced between the arms of the cross. Five
grains of incense, representing the five wounds of Christ are inserted
into the candle.
The candle is then carried into the darkened church and lifted up three
times to the chant of 'Christ our light' before being placed on a stand
next to the lecturn. The deacon or another minister then sings the
Easter Proclamation (the Exsultet): 'Rejoice,
heavenly powers!' a hymn of joy to 'the true Light, which lights every
person that comes into the world' (from St John's Gospel).
The Easter Candle remains burning throughout the Easter season until
Pentecost Sunday when it is moved to the Baptistery. Thereafter the
Easter candle is lit for baptisms and funerals, reminding us that
Christ is the Light of the World and that, through Him, we have the way
to eternal life.
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