Shabbat Candles

These are Shabbat candles in Shabbat candlesticks. The candles themselves and the holders themselves are not some blessed-special items, they're just candles and candlesticks. Normally we use regular white candles, but these multicolored blue ones are our holiday candles; we use them for feasts and festivals.

What makes these candles and candlesticks special is their usage. G-d commands us to honor and delight in Shabbat. Jewish tradition uses candle lighting as a representation of delight. When we light the candles, it begins the official start of Shabbat (or the holiday celebrated). You can read more about Shabbat candles here.

The candles burn for the entirety of the Shabbat meal. We have an light fixture, but we set it low so the room is also illuminated by the candles. It makes for a cozy atmosphere. The familial lighting of the candles compliments the good company and great food (this is a direct compliment to my mother) around the Shabbat table.

As Messianic Jews, we can see another meaning for the Shabbat candles. Yeshua told us about Himself:

"I am the light of the world. The one who follows Me will no longer walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (John 8:12 TLV)

Shabbat starts the wonderful light after the darkness of the dreary work week. In Shabbat, we revel in the peace afforded to us by Yeshua's sacrifice. So there, on the table, with the excellent food and distinguished company, in the warm and cozy room, Yeshua joins us as the light of the world on Shabbat.