Decorate the Paschal Candle: March 29

The Diocese recently asked congregations to identify what resources we can offer to the work of the whole.  One thing Trinity know how to do is decorate a Paschal Candle.  Ours is always like none other.  But where do we get the ideas for all that artwork?  That’s an important question, and especially this year when the whole congregation will be involved.  What does it take to create a Paschal Candle?

The Candle is meant to be a symbol of the Risen Christ.  As such, its central symbols represent Jesus.  So you will find a large cross framed by the alpha and omega, Greek letters at the beginning and the end of the alphabet, recalling Jesus’ words at the end of the Book of Revelation.  Usually the numbers for the year: 2 0 1 5 surround the cross. Five nails are pushed into the cross, representing the wounds of the crucifixion.

After that, we start getting creative!  Since the candle represents Christ, it is appropriately covered with symbols of life with Christ.  A few that are often found include:

• water:  symbol of baptism.  Other baptismal signs might include a seashell or water drops.
• ship:  symbol of the church. Lots of other symbols of the church are possible–Noah’s ark or a city on a hill, a fish for example.
• bread and wine:  symbols of communion, another worship symbols might be a Bible.
• Trinity:  symbols of the three in one and one in three also include representations of the persons of the Trinity–a hand for God the Father, for example, or a dove for the Holy Spirit.

These traditional symbols can be found decorating many church spaces.  This is only a small sample.

Then we start getting really creative, as we come up with personal symbols of life in Christ.  Over the years our candles have held:

• Hearts, to remind us that love is at the foundation of this life
• Music notes, representing the way many of us serve God.
• Flowers, trees, animals, symbolizing the creation God has given us
• People
• Pictures from favorite Bible stories–the lion lying down with the lamb, Elisha’s chariot of fire, even the disciples, all made of colored wax!

Now it’s your turn. We will be decorating the candle on Palm Sunday–it’s a job for the entire congregation!  Plan the symbol you will make and come prepared to cut it out of wax sheets.  The work is easy, and the purpose is great.  Be part of one of the things that makes Trinity unique!