CANDLELIGHTSERVICES

ChristmasThe purpose of a candlelight service is to help us celebrate the birth of Jesus, our Savior, the Light of the World. The Christmas candlelight service really has no Biblical mandate. It is, however, a great reminder about the true central focus of Christmas.

The Church has a passion for making a mark on this very special season, and all around the nation each one approaches this mo-ment with unique perspectives and their own personal touch.

While we all look forward to this nostalgic and reverent moment on Christmas Eve, as church leaders we know the preparation and planning required to create it for our congregation. Continue reading for import-ant details to consider when planning your candlelight service this year.

The Christmas Eve candlelight service, beloved by churches all over the world, brings the metaphor of Jesus being the Light of the World to life in an

awe-inspiring display. To capture the wonder and beauty of this event at your church, read this list of planning tips and points of consideration

as you prepare your own service.

The Church has a unique opporunity for making a memorable moment during this very special season...Candlelight services bring a reverent and personal touch for all those involved.

FEATURED PRODUCTS (right)SAFEFLAME FLAMELESS LED CANDLESAn alternative to wax candles with a long-last-ing LED bulb and a realistic amber flicker. 6” length by ½” diameter.222005 Box of 25 1-4 Packs $31.99/pack

5+ Packs $29.99/pack

4¼” CANDLE + PLASTIC HOLDER SETCS24200 Set of 250 $159.00 $149.99

TYPE OF CANDLE TO BUY

Wax candles used to be the only option to consider for candlelight services. Flameless candles have increased in popularlity over the past few years. We offer both options depending on your churches need.

Wax candles by far continue to be the most popular. People simply love the signifiance, tradition, and act of lighting a flame. Wax candles also continue to be very inexpensive.

When shopping for wax candles, you will need to select the desired length. Almost all candlelight candles are ½” in diameter and the determining factor for selecting the length of the candle is typically the length of your service time. Candles burn roughly 1” of wax every 30 minutes as long as the can-dles are held upright. For shorter services and events a 4”- 5” candle will suffice. How-ever, many people prefer longer candles for their elegant look. The longer 6” - 8”candles also tend to be easier to hold and are recom-mended for extended burn times.

DRIP PROTECTORS

With wax candles it ’s extremely important to plan and budget for drip protectors. Our staff’s number one pick for drip protectors are the plastic shields or the plastic holders.

While plastic drip protectors can come at a higher price point than paper drip protec-tors, many of our customers prefer them because they provide attendees with the most protection from dripping wax and can be reused.

GOING FLAMELESS

Our exclusive SafeFlame candles are hand-held, battery operated flameless candles with a LED light that flickers like a real flame. SafeFlame candles create an amazing effect during candlelight services and are great al-ternative for services held in venues that prohibit open flame. Additionally, they are a safe option for services or events that in-clude children. SafeFlame candles are long lasting for 100+ hours and have an easy On/Off switch on each candle.

LIGHTING LOGISTICS & TIPS

Plan ahead how you will distribute the can-dle during your service. Pre-assemble can-dles with drip protectors on. Have each per-son pick up their candle as they walk in or

have ushers pass out right before the light-ing ceremony. Do not place the candles in the pews or seats ahead of service to people sitting on or having candles fall onto floor. To light, have ushers light the first candle in each row by having the person with the unlit candle tip their candles sideways to light, then immediately hold vertically to limit dripping wax.

END OF SERVICE CONSIDERATIONS

You’ll also want to have buckets or baskets for people to place their burnt candles in be-fore leaving the building. One way to con-clude the service is to dim the lights, close in prayer and ask everyone to exit dismissing from the front row to the back row. As at-tendees dismiss the can carry their lit can-dles to the exit where they can extinguish and leave them in the buckets.

No matter how your church organizes the Christmas Eve Candlelight service this year, we pray it blesses and impacts all those who attend in a memorable way.

RECOMMENDED CANDLE LIGHTING INSTRUCTIONS

• Hold the candles upright• Have a volunteer light the first can-

dle in each row• Have the next person tilt their

unlit candle slightly towards the lit candle.

• DO NOT TILT the candle that is already lit. This will prevent from spilling hot wax on the person or on the ground

Tilt unlit candle when lighting.

Always hold lit candle upright.

WHAT'S INCLUDED:CANDLES4¼” candle5” candle5¾” candle6½” candleSafeFlame

DRIP PROTECTORSWhite Paper DiscPlastic DiscPlastic HolderClear Plastic ShieldWhite Plastic Shield

CANDLELIGHT SAMPLE PACKNeed more help deciding? We are here to help you create the best possible experience for your candlelight service, event, or vigil. That's why we’ve developed this Candlelight Sample Pack which allows you to physically see and hold the various can-dles and drip protectors that we offer.

SAMPLEPACK-CL $3.99

PlanningTipsFor your candlelight service