Now, we're going to engage in a ceremony of spiritual symbolism. Ancient sages tell us that for each of us, there is a candle, a symbol of our own inner light, but that no one can kindle his or her own candle. Each of us needs someone else to kindle it for us.
When two people fall in love, they kindle each other's candles, creating great light and joy and glorious expectations.
Now, (Bride) and (Groom), I'd like you to remember when it was in your relationship that you first realized you were truly in love and wanted to spend the rest of your lives together. And holding that thought . . .
(Groom), (pick up candle), take this candle, symbol of the inner light in (Bride), light it by the eternal light, with the dedication to rekindle it again and again, whenever necessary. And (Bride), (pick up candle), take this candle, symbol of the inner light in (Groom), light it by the eternal light, with the dedication to rekindle it again and again, whenever necessary.
With these candles, we can see how to achieve a beautiful marriage. In your marriage, you will try to bring these lights, the symbols of yourselves, closer and closer to each other, until they become (join the flames) ONE one great torch of light a radiant symbol of love, joy, peace and harmony. (hold flames together) This is the mystery of the union two becoming one.
Yet, it is vitally important to remember that there are always really two (divide the flames) in a marriage, each with his or her own desires, yearnings, dreams and wishes. And these must be respected and responded to with great love, with great compassion and with genuine tenderness.
We know that it is the prayer of your beloved, as it is the prayer of each of us here, that you will continuously light these candles of love, so that there will always be light and joy, peace and harmony in your hearts and in your home.
(put candles back on table)
(To the Couple) Please kiss each other.
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