Answer
Ok. No one asked this question yet, but we will soon be installing one, and I thought everyone would like to know about this new fixture.
It has various names, Sanctuary Lamp, Chancel Light, and even Eternal Flame.
A Sanctuary Lamp is a small lamp or candle holder suspended from the ceiling or mounted on a stand near the altar. Our’s will be installed behind the pulpit near the altar. The lamp can vary in design, but it often has a glass enclosure around the flame to protect it and allow it to be visible. Typically the glass is colored red. It’s a lamp that burns continuously near the altar or tabernacle, representing the presence of God and the perpetual light of Christ. This lamp reminds believers of God’s enduring presence and serves as a symbol of the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. It is only unlit at the stripping of the altar for Good Friday.
The lamp looks back to Exodus 27:20. “You shall command the people of Israel that they bring to you pure beaten olive oil for the light, that a lamp may regularly be set up to burn. In the tent of meeting, outside the veil that is before the testimony, Aaron and his sons shall tend it from evening to morning before the Lord. It shall be a statute forever to be observed throughout their generations by the people of Israel.” This lamp was set up in the tabernacle. God meet the Israelites at this tent which housed Ark of the Covenant. Later, the tabernacle would be replaced by the temple.
This sanctuary lamp is intended to help the worshiper to such blessings of worship, giving all glory to God. By seeing it, may you be reminded that:
- Jesus is the light of the world (John 8:12).
- God is light, and in him is no darkness at all (1 John 1:5).
- With the incarnation, the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light (Matthew 4:16).
- In the city to come, no lamps are needed for lamp is the Lamb (Revelation 21:23).
- “And God saw that the light was good” (Genesis 1:4).
The Eternal Flame was dedicated on May 17, 2024. During the announcements, it was introduced as a gift in memory of all the those of Peace Lutheran Church that have gone before us. The actual dedication was part of the offerings, prior to the offertory prayer. The dedication prayer went thus…
Blessed are you, O Lord our God, king of the universe. You have enriched our lives with every good and perfect gift; you have commanded us to show your splendor to our children and to praise you with Eves of love, justice, and joy. Accept this lamps which we offer in thanksgiving; it they be to us a sign of Christ, the Light of the world, the light no darkness can overcome. Bring us all at length to your perfect kingdom, where you five and reign with the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen (LBW: Occasional Service Book, p. 176-177.)