The candle means many things. Most importantly it symbolizes Christ, the Light of the world. The candle consumes itself, a voluntary self-giving sacrifice, like Christ's. But the candle also symbolizes our own selves praying to God, wholly giving ourselves to Him. Even after we have left, our candle keeps vigil before the living icon of God, and gives our prayers to God.
When I was little, our priest always used to say that a real icon came alive in candlelight. When it is dark, the whole world is transformed, it becomes surreal, even spooky. Light the candle before the icon, and the faces in the icon glow with life, and one is transported to Heaven.
Our icons truly live. They are sacramentals, windows into heaven, as it were. When we pray before the icon of the Pantocrator, the true Pantocrator is present. More than a mere picture of a Loved One, the icon is a means by which God is really present with us, in a very special and unique way.
Tomorrow is Candlemas in the Latin Church. It is a good day to have one's votive candles blessed, as we end the Christmas season. Byzantine Catholics usually have candles blessed on Easter to symbolize the life of the Resurrection. But of course priests can bless candles anytime!
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