When the altar candles are lit, those on the Epistle Side are lit before those on the Gospel Side. Symbolically, the Epistle Side represents the Jews, who first received revelation, while the Gospel Side represents the Gentiles, who received revelation later. On both sides, when more than two candles are lit, the one closest to the Tabernacle, wherein dwells the Light of the World, is lit first then those further out to show that it is Christ Who enlightens all men.