Christ Candle lights the way

‘Christ is the light of the world.’
‘Thanks be to God.’

With these words, LCA Bishop John Henderson opened the first business session of the Eighteenth Convention of Synod, continuing a rite that began in the opening worship service last night, Tuesday, 29 September.

The Christ Candle is a reminder of the constant presence of God: ‘where two or three are gathered in my name…’. It will continue to burn in the convention hall throughout the six-day meeting.

This morning the lit candle was moved in procession from the Redeemer Lutheran College chapel to the Multi-Purpose Centre, which serves as the venue for business sessions. As delegates gathered around tables to begin the business of synod, the bishops of the church gathered around the Christ Candle. Following the greeting, they lit tapers from the Christ Candle and then ignited candles in the centre of each table in the front row. The flame passed from table to table through the room, a physical reminder of the presence of Christ in the gathering.

The Christ Candle itself is a significant structure. Weighing 22 kilograms, it requires its own wheeled stand to move. It is under the particular care and supervision of Pastor Matthias Prenzler of St Peter’s Lutheran Church, Indooroopilly Queensland.