Lighting of the Unity Candle

# 1
The following poem by Harold Douglas is frequently recited by the officiant while the bride and groom light the Unity Candle:

Soft mists embrace two golden flames,
Alone they search the night.
Two souls adrift in dreams of love,
They seek to claim the light.
The path is long from which they came,
But sure they are it's right.
Two flames embrace in dreams of love,
Two Souls - Two Hearts Unite.

# 2
Groom and Bride will light the unity candle, as a symbol of their marriage. The candles from which they light it, represent each of them in the fullness of their individuality. They come as individuals and do not lose their identity, rather they create through their commitment the relationship of marriage. Therefore, three candles remain lit. One for each of them and one for their marriage, as symbols of their commitment to each other and to a lasting and loving marriage.

# 3
From every human being there rises a light that reaches straight to heaven. And when two souls are destined for each other and find each other, their streams of light flow together and a single brighter light goes forth from their united being." (by Baal Shem Tov)

# 4
This candle you are about to light is a candle of Marriage. Its fire is magical because it represents the light of two people in love. This candle before you is a candle of Commitment because it takes two people working together to keep it aflame. This candle is also a candle of Unity because both must come together, giving a spark of themselves, to create the new light. As you light this candle today, may the brightness of the flame shine throughout your lives. May it give you courage and reassurance in darkness, warmth and safety in the cold, and strength and joy in your bodies, minds, and spirits. May your union be forever blessed. (Reverend Amy Long)

# 5 Family Candle Ceremony
Officiant: This marriage is not just the joining of Groom and Bride, it is also the joining of [children's names], those family members present and those who are present today only in our memories.

This candle before us symbolizes the joining of Groom and Bride's past and of the new family they have formed here today. It should also serve as a reminder to them of their faith in God who enriches their marriage and their family in every way. Just as your love for one another, the flames that light the individual candles will burn brighter when joined together. Extinguish the two and be forever united in God's love.

(There is an additional smaller candle for each child. The Groom and Bride light these candles, and then all together light the center Unity Candle.)

The lighting of the center candle represents not only the union of [Groom] and [Bride] in marriage, but the unity formed in this new family in which your lives will now shine as one family.