What is the Red Lamp Burning Near the Altar in Churches?
Question: There is a red glass lamp hanging near the Altar in every Church I’ve ever been in. What is its meaning?
Answer: The presence of a sanctuary lamp is a traditional custom that can be traced back to ancient Jewish traditions. Early Christians adopted this practice as a symbolic representation of Christ’s eternal presence. Originally, oil lamps were used, but over time, candles became the preferred choice. Today, the sanctuary lamp continues to be an important fixture in churches worldwide.
The purpose of the sanctuary lamp is to signify the presence of the Blessed Sacrament and to remind believers of Christ’s constant vigilance and love. The lamp is typically placed near the tabernacle or altar, where the consecrated Eucharist is kept. It serves as a visual reminder that Jesus is present in the church and invites worshippers to enter into a state of reverence and prayer.
The sanctuary lamp is a significant fixture found in Catholic churches. It is usually placed near the Tabernacle, where the consecrated hosts are kept for adoration or Holy Communion. This lamp serves as a visual reminder of Jesus’ real presence in the Eucharist within the Tabernacle.
The primary purpose of the sanctuary lamp is to indicate that Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist. The lamp remains lit at all times, symbolising continuous reverence for Christ’s real presence. This perpetual light reminds believers that Jesus is always present and ready to receive their prayers and worship.
In cases when the Eucharist is not present in the tabernacle, the sanctuary lamp may be extinguished. This absence serves as a visual sign for believers that Christ is not physically present in that particular space at that time.
Courtesy https://religiousshop24.com/
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