The countless ceremonial uses of fire and light which had evolved in the past centuries were bound to influence the rites and customs of the Christian church.  The festive illumination of pagan temples in honor of gods was carried over into the Christian era.  The Christmas tree of to-day is incomplete without its many lights.  Its illumination is a homage of light to the source of light.  The celebration of Easter in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem is a typical example of fire-worship retained from ancient times.  At the climax of the services comes the descent of the Holy Fire.  The central candelabra suddenly becomes ablaze and the worshipers, each of whom carries a wax taper, light their candles therefrom and rush through the streets.  The fire is considered to be of divine origin and is a symbol of resurrection.  The custom is similar in meaning to the light which in older times was maintained before gods.

During the first two or three centuries of the Christian era the ceremonial use of light does not appear to have been very extensive.  Writings of the period contain statements which appear to ridicule this use to some extent.  For example, one writer of the second century states that “On days of rejoicing ... we do not encroach upon daylight with lamps.”  Another, in the fourth century, refers with sarcasm to the “heathen practice” in this manner:  “They kindle lights as though to one who is in darkness.  Can he be thought sane who offers the light of lamps and candles to the Author and Giver of all light?”

That candles were lighted in cemeteries is evidenced by an edict which forbade their use during the day.  Lamps of the early centuries of the Christian era have been found in the catacombs of Rome which are thought to have been ceremonial lamps, for they were not buried with the dead.  They were found only in niches in the walls.  During these same centuries elaborate candelabra containing hundreds of candles were kept burning before the tombs of saints.  Notwithstanding the doubt that exists as to the extent of ceremonial lighting in the early centuries of the Christian era, it is certain that by the beginning of the fifth century the ceremonial use of light in the Christian church had become very extensive and firmly established.  That this is true and that there were still some objections is indicated by many controversies.  Some thought that lamps before tombs were ensigns of idolatry and others felt that no harm was done if religious people thus tried to honor martyrs and saints.  Some early writings convey the idea that the ritualistic use of lights in the church arose from the retention of lights necessary at nocturnal services after the hours of worship had been changed to daytime.