All-Age Resources for Commemorating the First World War

All-age resources for commemorating the First World War

Lights going out a candle activity, most suitable for an evening service or a venue that can be made dark

‘The lights are going out all over Europe, and we shall not see them lit again in our lifetime.’ Attributed to Lord Grey, British Foreign Secretary 1905-1916

You will need: a tea-light for each person; four larger candles in a row in a central position; tapers; the church’s paschal candle, or another large candle in a prominent place.

The activity may be led by one person, who says all the words. Or the words associated with each candle might be read by different individuals, standing beside the candle. A short practice will ensure that people know when to speak so that the sequence of extinguishing and lighting the candles runs smoothly.

Start with the candles all unlit, except for the paschal candle. During a song, light the larger candles from the paschal candle. A suitable song might be the chant, ‘Kindle a flame’ or Bernadette Farrell’s ‘Christ be our light’.

Jesus said, ‘I am the light of the world.’ He has always been with us. He is with us now. He promised to stay with us till the end of time.

We are here today to remember a time of great darkness. When many people were afraid that there would never be light again, they said, ‘The lights are going out all over Europe, and we shall not see them lit again in our lifetime’.

Go to the first of the larger candles.

With this candle we remember the fear of World War One: fear of the darkness, fear for the future, fear of the unknown, fear that took away hope. We blow out this candle to remember that the war was a time of darkness.

Blow out the first candle, and move along to the second one.

With this candle we remember those who died in World War One: those who died fighting, those who died at home, those who died because they ran away, those who died unarmed, helping others. We blow out this candle to remember that the war was a time of darkness.

Blow out the second candle, and move along to the third.

With this candle we remember those who were hurt: those who returned home injured, those who returned home changed. We blow out this candle to remember that the war was a time of darkness. All-age resources for commemorating the First World War

Blow out the third candle, and move along to the fourth. With this candle we remember those who survived, but who lost the people they loved most: We remember children who missed their parents, and parents who missed their children, love cut short. We blow out this candle to remember that the war was a time of darkness.

Blow out the fourth candle and move to the (still lit) paschal candle

Jesus said, ‘I am the light of the world.’ He has always been with us. He is with us now. He promised to stay with us till the end of time. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

Only the paschal candle remains alight.

Now go to the first of the larger candles, and light it again, using a taper lit from the paschal candle.

With this candle we remember now that hope can grow, even when there is fear. Lord Jesus, be with those who are afraid today.

Move along to the second candle, and relight it.

With this candle we remember that the life of God is stronger than death. Lord Jesus, be with those who are dying today.

Move along to the third candle and relight it.

With this candle we remember that good is stronger than evil. Lord Jesus, be with those who are suffering today.

Move along to the fourth candle and relight it.

With this candle we remember that love is stronger than hatred. Lord Jesus, be with those who are grieving today. Jesus said, ‘I am the light of the world. You are the light of the world.’

Begin to light everyone’s tea-lights as the opening song is sung again.

When all candles are alight, say together: Help us shine like lights in dark places, bringing goodness, love and life. Amen.

This activity was devised by the Rev’d Ally Barrett, Vicar of Buckden and the Offords, Cambridgeshire.