– this flame lights a way clear to the heart, in this light may we pause to wonder, to reflect to heal and grow towards that greater light.

 The light on our altar table as well as indicating that the sanctuary of our worship is open to all who come, reminds us also of the lights of those who came here in previous times; non conformists who took as their symbol a light or a lantern as we take it as our symbol today, a light that shines to illuminate our efforts to come together, to hold a space for all forms of spiritual inquiry and to know such quiet together that we can sense also the presence of that other who is with us always whether we sense it or not. 

Our light shines to remind us of a steadier flame, a light that never was lit and will never go out, a light that our candle flame is only a part of – and so our flame here reminds us that we are part of something greater too.

 

 

The flame that shivers here is a symbol of love. We know that God is Love, and the spirit of God is symbolised by a flame. Let this love not stand isolated here, may our lives be characterised by an effort to join with the spirit, let love not be an idly wasted dream but an active reality, proven in our actions in the world, and our unity with each other.

This light shines to illuminate our hour of worship together; a time set apart from the hurly-burly of everyday life to reconnect with our highest aspirations and our best selves. Time to remember that our lives can be dedicated to finding harmony with the divine, to live with integrity, in truth and honour, to help us find the strength and support we need to live lives which reflect our commitment to love.

As we kindle a flame today we affirm our light as a signal of warmth against the cold, and brightness in the dark; of hope and joy and love against despair. 

 

We light a flame tonight in recognition that it is against the backdrop of shadow that light and life emerges; light alone does not end the dark and darkness will never overwhelm the light, but each gives shape and depth and meaning to the other. 

The light that we have kindled in our sanctuary this morning has been burning here in —- since —-; a light of continuity and free enquiry; of rational dissent; the light of intellectual rigour in our search for truth and meaning and open and honest ways to God. 

 

Chalice lighting for a New Year:

As we kindle the first chalice flame of this new year, we welcome the first opportunity of the year to gather again in community. To bring our best understanding to bear on the nature of our world and our place in it; to acknowledge our insignificance in the scale of the vast and unknowable, the eternal Divine which surrounds and supports us, whether we recognise it or not; but also to take account of ourselves, to acknowledge the joys we are grateful for and the sadnesses we bear. We are here to welcome in the New Year in a spirit of worship and devotion – a spirit of kinship and kindliness, a spirit of humility and in a spirit of Joy.