New Paschal Candle for Easter Sunday

This is our new Paschal Candle, used for baptisms, funerals, and certain times of the year, such as Easter. It serves to remind us of Jesus' presence, and will be lit for the first time on Easter Sunday.

Traditionally, the Paschal (also referred to as the Baptismal Candle or the Christ Candle), is replaced annually at an Easter Vigil service. The "Light of Christ" is brought into the worship space to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. Because these candles are impressively tall (this one is 38" and over seven feet on the stand), at Salem they last us several years and there is no need to replace it more often. Paschal candles also feature the current church year (December to November, or Advent to Christ the King Sunday). The date is removeable, and this candle came with an extra wax "2", so we can display the year in 2021 and 2022. 

This candle is made from 51% beeswax, which is typical for high quality church candles. I am really not sure why 51% and not 50% - we all know the answer is only an internet search away. The design, which looks metallic, is made from painted beeswax and foil.

The name of the style is "Aureum", which is Latin for gold (Au on the periodic table of elements), and features a gold Celtic style cross with an Alpha and Omega. These are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, and are referred to in Revelation 22:13 - "I am the alpha and the omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end."

If you are able to join us for Easter Sunday, you will get to see this candle lit for the first time! In case you miss that opportunity, don't worry! This candle will be lit each Sunday for worship throughout the 50 day season of Easter.

MP