A DIVINE LIGHT

The lighting of candles during religious festivals precedes Christianity by many centuries originally part of pagan rituals practiced by early sun worshippers. When Christianity was well established the church tried in vain to eradicate the ritual use of candles.
Then in the spirit of "if you can't beat them join them” they gradually incorporated the lighting of candles into Christian services.
The candles were invested with a new meaning and they came to symbolize the divine light that illuminated the world, Christ.