On Monday 1st December, we held a multi-faith event in school, that celebrated the power of light as a universal symbol of hope and remembered those who are dear to us.
Welcome and Opening Words
Mr Haycocks
I would like to welcome you all this evening to this Memorial Candlelight Service. Each year we meet on the first Monday of the Advent season to remember loved ones, friends and family who are no longer with us.
We come together in the glow of gentle light to remember, to reflect, and to find comfort in one another’s presence.
This vigil is an open space — for people of every faith, for those of secular worldviews, and for those still exploring their own beliefs. It is important in a world where our news draws attention to disunity and the world can appear a polarised collection of political and religious views that we are here as a group of people united by our shared experiences as humans.
Light is our shared language.
Across cultures, religions, and generations, light has symbolised guidance, remembrance, courage, and hope.
Tonight we honour those no longer with us, and we affirm that their light continues to guide our steps.
Mrs Thomasson
Our time together is inspired by the words of Psalm 119:105 in which the vision of Balshaw’s is rooted: ‘Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.’
This verse reminds us that even when the path ahead is uncertain, there is guidance — a light that leads us forward.
For Christians, this light is the presence and wisdom of God.
But for many others, the image of light is equally powerful — a symbol of memory, love, and the human spirit.We gather tonight in that shared light.
The symbol of light is universal and the darkness, no matter how deep, can never extinguish that light.
A moment of stillness
Mr Haycocks
Let us take a moment to arrive, to breathe, and to hold in our hearts the names and faces of those we remember this evening, or the conflicts where the light of wisdom and love is needed…
[Short guided stillness of approx 30 seconds]
Cultural and Faith Perspectives on Light
Light is a powerful symbol in every tradition and we are going to explore a range of cultural and faith perspectives on light this evening.
Light represents wisdom, guidance, and comfort in times of darkness. In this way, light shows us the path forward, reminding us of the love and memories we carry. To tell us about the Christian tradition, I would like to welcome Reverend Paul Davies, vice chair of governors and associate vicar of St Andrew’s…
The Christian Tradition
Rev Paul Davies
Our service this evening is inspired by our school scripture of Christ’s Word as a lamp to our feet and a light to our paths. This image reminds Christians that God does not always reveal the whole journey at once; instead, the light is often just enough for the next step, the next decision, the next challenge. Light becomes a symbol of God’s direction and reassurance: even when life feels uncertain or overwhelming.
Ginny now reads words that echo back to the creation of all things with these famous words at the start of John’s gospel…
Ginny
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
The same was in the beginning with God.
All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
Rev Paul Davies
Light is a powerful symbol. We can see light and dark being compared to life and death, ignorance versus understanding, fear versus safety or hope against despair. This is a declaration of profound hope. No amount of darkness—no grief, no loss, no pain—can extinguish the light that comes from God. Light is resilient. Even one small candle can drive back a whole room of night.
This is like the memories of those we are remembering this evening – the light of our memories will continue to shine in the darkness and our hope that darkness will not have the final word.
We’re going to explore the role of light in the Islamic tradition next.
The Islamic Tradition
Amin
Light is of profound symbolic significance in the Islamic tradition too. It is often associated with divine guidance, purity, wisdom, and the presence of Allah (God).
One of the central references to light in Islam is found in the Quran, in the famous "Verse of Light" (Ayat al-Nur), which Yousif is going to read to us now.
Yousif
Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. His light is like a niche in which there is a lamp, the lamp is in a crystal, the crystal is like a shining star, lit from ˹the oil of˺ a blessed olive tree, ˹located˺ neither to the east nor the west, whose oil would almost glow, even without being touched by fire. Light upon light! Allah guides whoever He wills to His light. And Allah sets forth parables for humanity. For Allah has ‘perfect’ knowledge of all things.
Khalid
We can see again this idea of light being a source of divine guidance. The imagery of light represents the knowledge and wisdom that God imparts, guiding humanity away from ignorance and darkness (spiritual and moral confusion) toward clarity and righteousness.
Neeve
Light can also be considered a sign of truth and clarity, illuminating the path to moral and spiritual enlightenment. We might be holding loved ones in our memory this evening who have provided our lives with a moral path or direction. Mrs Melia-Taylor is going to look at the significance of light in the Hindu tradition.
Mrs Melia-Taylor
The Hindu Tradition
This month has seen the celebration of Diwali for followers of the Hindu Religion. Diwali is commonly known as The Festival of Light. In Hindu spirituality, light represents goodness, knowledge, truth, and the divine presence. It is a reminder that even when life brings difficulty or uncertainty, goodness and truth ultimately prevail. Lighting a lamp, or diya, is an expression of hope and a prayer that light will triumph over darkness, just as wisdom triumphs over ignorance and love triumphs over fear.
Aaradhya is going to tell us about the most famous of the stories behind this Festival of Light—the story of Prince Rama and his wife Sita, and the triumphant return that inspired the tradition of lighting lamps.
Aaradhya
Prince Rama and his wife Sita who had been banished from their kingdom. During their banishment Rama and his brother, Lakshmana, were called upon to fight the evil demon-king Ravana. Ravana had 10 heads and 20 arms and he had been terrorising all those living in his kingdom.
Rama defeated Ravana and rescued his wife Sita who Ravana had kidnapped and freeing the kingdom from evil. As a thank you to Rama and Sita the villagers throughout the land lit lamps to guide Rama and Sita back to their own kingdom. The lights are still lit today to remind us to be good and kind and brave and honest.
Mrs Melia-Taylor
Tonight as we remember our loved ones, we might think of the ways that they continue to guide us and help us to be good and brave as we continue in their absence
Neeve
Before we continue to look at the importance of light as an act of remembrance it is time to hear a poem by Mary Elizabeth Frye, called “Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep,” which will be introduced and read to us by Franciszka.
Franciszka
This well-loved poem which expresses the idea that those we love are always with us, in the light and beauty of the world around us. These words comfort us with the reminder that our loved ones live on, in everything around us, in the sunlight on the grain and the shining stars of the night.
Do not stand at my grave and weepI am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.
The Jewish Tradition
Mrs Dolman
The Jewish holiday of Hanukkah takes place around the end of November and the start of December and it commemorates the miracle of light. The Jewish people had not been allowed to worship in the temple in Jerusalem and a group of Jews led by Maccabee fought back against a force that was much bigger and stronger and succeeded in taking back the temple. This was the first miracle.
When they got there, they found the temple lamp that was supposed to remain lit but when they arrived there was only enough oil for one day. However, in a second miracle, the lamp burned for 8 days until a new supply of oil had been found. Now this is represented by the menorah candle which has 8 candles to represent each additional day the lamp burned. Each night of this festival a candle is lit from the central helper candle called the Shamesh until all are alight.
Lighting the menorah represents resilience and the lasting power of faith. As we light candles this evening to remember our loved ones we are resilient in our loss and there is strength in the faith of their memory.
Mr Smith
We will have another poem now. This reflection on how the action of lighting a candle can bring to mind positive thoughts of those we have lost is read to us by Willow…
Willow
Light a candle,
see it glow,
watch it dance
when you feel low.
Think of me,
think of light,
I'll always be here,
day or night.
A candle flickers
out of sight,
but in your heart
I still burn bright.
Think not of sadness,
that I'm not near,
think of gladness
and joyous cheer.
I have not left,
I am not gone.
I'm here to stay
my little one.
So when you light a candle
and you see it glow
and you watch it dance,
in your heart you'll know
that I would never leave you,
even when you feel so blue.
I'm sitting up here with the Lord
and now watching over you.
Buddhist Tradition
Meiliy
In Buddhist traditions, light is one of the most meaningful and enduring symbols. It represents wisdom, clarity, and the awakening of the mind. Just as a lamp brightens a darkened room, wisdom in Buddhism is said to illuminate the inner landscape of the heart, allowing a person to see things as they truly are.
Lighting a candle during Buddhist practice is a way of saying:
"May understanding arise. May I see clearly. May I live with compassion and peace."The notion of enlightenment is itself an image of bringing light to the darkness. Candles also represent the light of Dhamma, which is the ability to see the nature of the mind and body.
Buddhism places great importance on compassion — the wish for all beings to be free from suffering. Light is often used as an expression of this wish.
When a candle is lit, it is common for Buddhists to think:
“May all beings be safe.
May all beings be at peace.
May all beings find light in their darkness.”As we light candles this evening, the Buddhist tradition encourages us to see each flame not only as memory, but also as compassion in action — a quiet hope that wisdom, kindness, and understanding will continue to grow in our lives, just as the flame glows gently and steadily in our hands.
The Secular Tradition
Mrs Bache
Perhaps it is the influence of the world religions, or just something about the power of candlelight to capture our attention and allow us to focus that makes it a popular way of remembering in secular practice. We can see this at the site of accidents, deaths and places where the public gather to remember. As well as the proliferation of flowers we see candles and electronic tealights build up on the pavements between the flowers and the cards.
These lights offer solace, symbolising unity and hope, regardless of background or belief. It is a way of saying:
“We are here. You are remembered. You are not alone.”
Music
Mr Smith
Before we begin the candle lighting ceremony we are going to listen to the choir performing “You Raise Me Up” which was written by a Irish-Norwegian duo in 2001, but was made popular recently by Josh Groban. In the song we seek light by being raised out of dark places.
The lyrics talk about being lifted to the light of the mountain tops from stormy seas, from weariness, troubles and a burdened heart…
Our wonderful choir performed 'You Raise Me Up' beautifully.
The Candle Lighting Ceremony
Mr Haycocks
We now invite each of you to come forward to light a candle in remembrance of a loved one. You may hold a memory or a word in your heart as you do, such as ‘peace,’ ‘love,’ or ‘thankfulness.’
[Candle lighting commences]
Mrs Bache
As we light these candles, we honour our shared light—the lives we remember, the love we carry forward, and the hope we renew together.
Rev Paul Davies
As each candle is lit, our gathering brightens, symbolising how each of us brings light into the world. Together, we create a glow that speaks of connection, hope, and remembrance. We are united in light and guided by hope.
Mrs Thomasson
Light is fragile — a flame can tremble, flicker, almost fade.
Yet light is also astonishingly resilient.
A single candle can brighten an entire room.
A single memory can warm a grieving heart.
A single act of kindness can change the direction of a life.
Closing
Mr Haycocks
Tonight, we have listened to many voices and multiple traditions, yet they have all spoken with one shared truth: that light has the power to guide us, to comfort us, and to bring us together.
From the Christian hope that the light shines in the darkness;
and the Islamic image of “light upon light”; from the Hindu celebration of good triumphing over evil; to the Jewish story of a light that endured against all odds; from the Buddhist belief that wisdom illuminates the heart, to the quiet, human understanding that even in the deepest grief we still seek light— each tradition has reminded us that we are united by more than we are divided.
Mrs Wilson
The flames we have held tonight symbolise the lives that shaped us, the memories that warm us, and the hope that continues even after loss.
Their light lives on in us: in the kindness we show, in the courage we find,in the compassion we share.
Rev Paul Davies
As we leave this place, may the light we have kindled together go with us. May it strengthen us in sorrow, guide us in uncertainty, and inspire us toward peace. And may we, each in our own way, become bearers of that light—
shining with love, shining with hope,
shining for one another and for the world.Go in peace, and may the light we carry continue to shine in the darkness, and may the darkness never overcome it.
We would like to thank everyone who came along to this special service, to all of our speakers and to our talented choir.
