The Easter Candle

The Easter Candle is first lit in our church on Easter Day. Made of pure white wax, it is marked with a Cross, the year, a symbol of Christ’s constant presence, and the Greek letters alpha and omega, a reference to Jesus’ words, "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End." (Revelation 21.6)

In early Christian times, baptisms took place just once a year, at Easter, and in secret for fear of persecution, lit only by the Easter Candle. Today, the candle is lit at all services from Easter Day to Ascension Day, symbolising Christ, risen as the light of the world and living amongst us. It is lit again at all baptisms and funerals, as a new member enters the church or is commended at passing.

By churchwarden Michael Stagg, this poem follows our recent feature on St Mary’s fine mediaeval flint …