Thoughts for the Day

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 .... 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.’

(Church in Wales Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

Today is Candlemas, traditionally celebrated on 2nd February. It's one of the oldest of Christian festivals, and comes from Mary's purification 40 days after the birth of Jesus and his presentation in the Temple at Jerusalem. Here he meets Simeon who announces that he is to be a light to the Gentiles, in other words he is to dispel the darkness of sin. Candles and light in the Christian faith symbolize that Jesus is the Light of the World, and this festival was first celebrated in Jerusalem in the 4th century by Bishops like Gregory of Nyssa and John Chrysostom. For Orthodox Christians Candlemas is considered to be one of the twelve Great Feast Days, along with Christmas Day and Easter Day.

During the Middle Ages and in Europe today people attend church on Candlemas to bless white candles and then light them, or hold processions, to symbolise Jesus the Light of the World. Around the world this festival is celebrated with pancakes and bonfires and even a carnival.in Peru and Rio de Janeiro.

Perhaps you would like to light a candle this day and reflect on Jesus as the Light of the World, who brings light into a world made dark from sin and rebellion to God.

Lord Jesus Christ,
We thank You that You brought
light into our world
to dispel the darkness of sin.
May we never forget
all that You have done for us
to enable us to be reunited
with our Heavenly Father,
and may we celebrate
Candlemas joyously this year.
Amen.