Brightly Burns the Christmas Candle

by Merrill Jenson

My good friend and writing partner, Bruce Covington, and I wrote this carol originally as a musical Christmas card. It started out as a short song for solo voice and piano, then grew in length and size for adaptation by full orchestra and choir. The words remind us of the yearning of our souls — to find happiness and light. “As candles, we will shine for thee”.

Brightly burns the Christmas Candle,
Symbol of Christ’s holy gift.
Welcome glow in dark surrounding,
Warmth and light our spirits lift.

As the flame to wick is kindled,
Heavenward our musings rise,
Stirring rev’rence deep within us,
For his teachings, kind and wise.

Christ the Savior, born of Mary,
In a manger long ago,
Like this candle, brightly burning,
Lights the way to end our woe.

Glowing taper, touch now others,
Dispel darkness in our room.
Marvel how the light grows brighter!
Rays disturb the realms of gloom.

As the flame to wick is kindled,
Heavenward our musings rise,
Stirring rev’rence deep within us,
For his teachings, kind and wise.

May we be wax, wick, and ember,
For thee, Lord? Bright torches be!
Ignite the will in us, thy children
The wand’rer’s path to light for thee.

Brightly burns the Christmas Candle,
Symbol of Christ’s holy gift.
Welcome glow in dark surrounding,
Warmth and light our spirits lift.

Candle burning, People yearning,
In the night, To see the light.
Rays fill the room, Dispel the gloom,
As candles we will shine for thee.