ENCOUNTER
Candlemas, also known as the Presentation of Our Lord or the Feast of the Purification, occurs forty days after Christmas. Mosaic law stated that 40 days was the period of purification after the birth of a child, and also when a first-born son was presented in the Temple. Observance by the church can be traced to Jerusalem in the 4th century where candles were carried in procession, then blessed, lit, and distributed to the people, to symbolize bringing the light of Christ into the world. Incidentally, February 2nd is also halfway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox, so the date has always had significance for ancient people.
READ
The story of Jesus’s Presentation at the temple is found in Luke 2:22-40.
WONDER
Simeon and Anna recognized Jesus as God-with-us and responded with praise, prayer, and by sharing the light they saw in this young Messiah. Where do you see God-with-us in your life? How do you respond? Consider how you might share light with others.
LIVE THE STORY
Choose one or two traditions to try out in your home.
- Feast on crepes or pancakes. The round, yellow shape is reminiscent of the sun, and Pope Gelasius I served them to pilgrims in Rome. Here’s a recipe: https://www.storymakersnyc.com/sparks/2022/01/26/candlemas-crepes
- Decorate with candles. You can bless candles you already have, or make new ones with sheets of beeswax. Here is a candle-blessing prayer:
O eternal God, who has created all things; on this day you fulfilled the petitions of the just Simeon: we humbly ask you to bless and sanctify these candles for our use. Graciously hear our prayers and be merciful to us, whom you have redeemed by your Son, who is the light of the world, and who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.
- Put away any lingering Christmas decorations.
- Plan your garden, select seeds, or something else to remind you of the coming spring.
- Fashion a Brigid cross (her feast day is Feb. 1) using rushes, straw, pipe cleaners, or plastic straws. Get instructions here: http://www.ipcc.ie/discover-and-learn/resources/how-to-make-a-st-bridgets-cross/
- Listen to a homily from Rowan Williams on the Feast of Candlemas: https://youtu.be/ya4RgkvF7OQ
- Research how Candlemas is a harbinger of spring and has changed over time, from a Pagan feast honoring Brigid, goddess of fertility and fire, to Groundhog’s Day: https://patch.com/new-jersey/riverdell/bp–a-lamb-in-winter-a-history-of-brigids-day-and-candlemas
PRAY
The Song of Simeon, or Nunc Dimittis, is part of the compline – or bedtime – prayer service, which starts on p.127 in the Book of Common Prayer. This prayer at the close of the day reminds of Simeon’s prayer at the close of his life.
Lord, you now have set your servant free *
to go in peace as you have promised;
For these eyes of mine have seen the Savior, *
whom you have prepared for all the world to see:
A Light to enlighten the nations, *
and the glory of your people Israel.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.