Thoughts for the Day

Since, therefore, the children share flesh and blood, he himself likewise shared the same things, so that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by the fear of death. For it is clear that he did not come to help angels, but the descendants of Abraham. Therefore he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every respect, so that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make a sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

Today we celebrate the feast of 'The Presentation of Christ in the Temple', alternatively known as 'Candlemas', and I have chosen the New Testament reading from Hebrews, rather than the story of the baby Jesus being greeted by Simeon and Anna, the two prophets who recognise the child as God's Messiah (Luke 2.22-28). Our televisions have turned Christmas into 'Santa-land' and even in church we can forget that this tiny baby placed in the manger was fully human, but was also fully God.

The letter to the Hebrews reminds us that Jesus chose to take on a human form for the very purpose of overcoming death. This act wasn't just a gesture, Jesus was able to conquer death itself by experiencing life and death as a human being. Think of the love and compassion that Jesus had for us in choosing to become human and to experience the most profound of all human experiences - that of death - from which he emerged victorious to show us that death is merely a gateway to something more amazing.

For those of us who live with weakness, whether through sickness, poverty, addiction, loss of a loved one, or old age (and anything in between) the writer of Hebrews says Jesus gave himself as a sacrifice for our sin in order to reconcile us with God. It says He understands our pain; He offers us comfort and support in our time of suffering; and He walks alongside us to bring hope for the future. So let Him guide your steps to bring His light to your world.

Collect for Presentation of Christ in the Temple

Almighty and ever-living God,
clothed in majesty,
whose beloved Son was this day presented in the Temple,
in substance of our flesh:
grant that we may be presented to you
with pure and clean hearts,
by your Son Jesus Christ our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen.