Eerdlings

The official blog of Eerdmans Books for Young Readers

Forty Days of Crafts: Paschal Candle

Suggested reading: Jesus
Suggested reading: Jesus

“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”
— John 8:12 (KJV) 

The Paschal candle (also known as the Christ candle) has long been used in Western Christianity to symbolize the eternal presence of Jesus, the light of the world. According to tradition, the candle is extinguished on Good Friday and a new candle is blessed and lit on Easter morning.

Make your own flame-less Paschal candle at home to remember the light of Christ.

Materials:

Candle_1forweb

  • Markers
  • Paper towel roll
  • Sheet of white paper
  • Yellow construction paper
  • Scissors
  • Scotch tape

Step 1: Cut a flame shape from yellow construction paper that is approximately 3” tall by 1 ½” wide. Color it with markers to resemble a flame.

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Step 2: Cut a white sheet of paper to match the width of the paper towel roll. Then decorate the paper with traditional symbols for Christ using markers. These could include a cross, a lamb, or the Greek letters alpha (Α) and omega (Ω).

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Step 3: Wrap the white paper around the paper towel roll and secure it with tape.

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Step 4: Attach the flame to the inside of the paper towel roll with tape.

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