mamabishop: Candlemas or The Feast of the Presentation February 2, 2025

Saturday, February 1, 2025

Candlemas or The Feast of the Presentation February 2, 2025

Candlemas or The Feast of the Presentation

February 2, 2025

When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, ‘Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord’), and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, ‘a pair of turtle-doves or two young pigeons.’ Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying, ‘Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.’ And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, ‘This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too.’ There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband for seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshipped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At that moment she came and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him. Luke 2:22-40

Today, we celebrate Candlemas or the Feast of the Presentation remembering when Mary and Joseph present Jesus in the temple, 40 days after his birth. Americans celebrate Groundhog Day in this date as well, which seems to arise out of old Scandanavian traditions around Candlemas, when the bears emerge from their dens to see if there is more winter to come. Other European traditions tie Candlemas to the beginning of the planting cycle (preparing ground and planning the crops). No matter how it's celebrated, all traditions around the world have processions with lots of candles. We need the light. In early February, we are so tired of the cold darkness, we need the light. Simeon and Anna had been waiting their whole lives for the light. And many are struggling, amidst great fears and sorrow, to see the light. May we embrace Christ's light. May we carry it with us and let it shine through us in these dark times.

A Litany for Candlemas 2025

Compassionate Creator, all of your creation groans

aching for light in the darkness and new life

you remind us in this season that light is with us

and we are carriers of the love and light of Christ.