There is a modern wedding custom in which the new couple each takes one candle and uses it to light a larger candle between them. The larger candle is referred to, in most circles, as the "unity candle," symbolizing the new life and journey these two people are starting. It's a beautiful symbol, one that my wife and I displayed at our own ceremony.

After the unity candle is lit, the two individual candles are replaced, still burning. Now there are three candles: one representing the man, one representing the woman, and one representing their new unified life together, one flame created by both of theirs. Some also interpret the unity candle as representing Christ Himself, as the author and foundation of marriage as He intended it, and showing that He has found a home in this marriage. Further analogies to this interpretation point to Him as the literal and symbolic "light of the world." Call it what you want, all of these can ring true.

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