ultural Experience Opportunity

The cultural event I chose to attend was a Christmas Eve candle lighting service at a “cowboy” church. Cowboy churches have been popping up a lot lately, especially in the south. Due to their relaxed nature and less demanding overall atmosphere and attire related norms, these churches have attracted a demographic that perhaps a traditional congregation would have trouble attracting. “The term “church clothes” has lost much of its meaning in recent years, as seeker friendly churches have encouraged a come-as-you are atmosphere,” . . . (Martin 44).

Along with the “cowboy” church being completely alien to me, I also have no real grasp on the intent or purpose of a candle lighting service. I feel I do understand the nature of the church service, but as for the meaning and symbolism of candle lighting, I had to do some digging. In researching the topic I found that, “In the Bible, light can represent God’s glory and/or guidance, and so a lamp often symbolizes the presence of God in the sanctuary” (Lenchak, 132). Although at this particular service I don’t recall hearing the mention of the specific symbol or meaning for the candle lighting, this could be a viable symbol for the candle lighting that I attended.

Another view, or take on a candle lighting service may be a more personal one. Upon further research I discovered that many people attend a candle light service is to open their spiritual eyes. “That’s why, although prayer candles seem at first to be deeply private devotions, I’ve come to see them as a call to think outside of myself” (Moyer, 48). I suppose that to each individual a service like this one will provide its own meaning rather than being a congregational, or mass intent or purpose.

This particular service was held in a warehouse style building, and upon arriving on time; the first thing I noticed was that I was one of the only people there. Normally this is not noteworthy, but at a “cowboy” church, when I definitely do not fit the bill of a cowboy, I have to say it was a little awkward. However, no one seemed to mind that I was there. The next thing that I noticed was that this empty room filled rather quickly about five minutes past the advertised start time of six p.m.

Men, women, cowboy hats, bikers with beards, even kids with boots and jeans with belt buckles the size of their faces filled the room and began to collect, what I found funny, artificial candles that you have to screw the bulb on to make the light come on. When everyone received a “candle” the lights were lowered and the preacher began a short introduction to the service. Quickly, I was taken aback by the difficulty I had at understanding this person who I could tell was speaking English, but with the pronunciation, or accent, made myself strain to focus to understand the message.

The message was short and honestly I can’t remember what the preacher said, but there was a song sung by a younger girl that was very good and was the highlight of the service for me. This experience was an interesting one for sure, although I have been submerged in many cultures that differ from my own, even for long periods of time, being able to see this experience in the light of the knowledge I have gained from this class was invaluable. This will be something that I intend to let influence my thought and preparation as I begin to teach.

Works Cited

Lenchak, Timothy A. "What's Biblical About…Candles In Church?." Bible Today 47.2 (2009): 132-133. Academic Search Complete. Web. 3 Jan. 2013.

Martin, William. "Cowboys For Jesus Christian Fellowship." Texas Monthly 34.9 (2006): 44. MAS Ultra - School Edition. Web. 4 Jan. 2013.

Moyer, Ginny. "Got A Light?." U.S. Catholic 71.7 (2006): 48. Academic Search Complete. Web. 3 Jan. 2013.