What is the meaning of candlelight service?

A candlelight service is a spiritual or memorial gathering that takes place in the evening or night time and is illuminated by candles. Typically, each participant holds a lit candle, which adds to the luminosity of the gathering.

Candlelight services are common in many Christian denominations on Christmas Eve. Participants sing carols by candlelight and often watch a nativity play or presentation. The Roman Catholic, Orthodox and Lutheran churches includes a candlelight service as part of their Easter vigil celebration the night before Easter. Each participant's candle is lit from one large Paschal candle to represent the light of Christ spreading from person to person and illuminating the world.