Feb. 02 - 40 days after Christmas (Candlemas Day)

February 2nd marks the 40th day after Christmas. In the Church, every year we celebrate the feast of the Presentation of the Lord; however, some folks refer to the day as Candlemas day. Let me illustrate the point a bit.

The Presentation of the Lord marks the Jewish custom of bringing an infant boy to the Temple to ask for the Lord's blessing upon him. In the law of Moses, there was a prescription of offering a sacrifice to the Lord. Being good Jewish people, Mary and Joseph did as was prescribed. Unbeknownst to most people in the Temple that day, Jesus was the one who blessed the Temple that day through His very presence. This is revealed through the prayer of Simeon:



“Now, Master, you may let your servant go 
in peace, according to your word,
for my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you prepared in the sight of all the peoples:
a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and glory for your people Israel.” (Luke 2:29-32)

The Lord enters into the Temple of our hearts, but we need to allow Him inside. He has the power to purify and to strengthen, if we allow Him to do so. Just as He blessed the Temple through His very presence 2000 years ago, He can continue to bless our lives and the lives of those around us when we behold His very presence in the the Temples of our hearts.

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Candlemas Day is celebrated on February 2nd all throughout the world as a way to recognize Christ's presence in our lives. We bring forth candles that will be used for worship throughout the liturgical year. As a Church, we use lots of candles every year, and on this feast of Candlemas, we entrust the light of Christ to enter into the many places where we worship.

Prayer of Blessing
Forty days ago we celebrated the joyful feast of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. Today we recall the holy day on which he was presented in the temple, fulfilling the law of Moses and at the same time going to meet his faithful people. Led by the Spirit, Simeon and Anna came to the temple, recognized Christ as their Lord, and proclaimed him with joy. United by the Spirit, may we now go to the house of God to welcome Christ the Lord. There we shall recognize him in the breaking of bread until he comes again in glory. 

Let us pray, 
God our Father, source of all light, today you revealed to Simeon your Light of revelation to the nations. Bless + these candles and make them holy, that we who observe their light in your temple may come with joy to the light of glory. We ask this through Christ our Lord.