February Message

CANDLEMAS

On Sun 2nd FEB our churches will be thinking about the Presentation of the baby Jesus in the temple in Jerusalem 40 days after he was born. So this festival which comes 40 days after Christmas marks a bit of a mile stone in the church’s year, when we come to the end of our celebrations of Christmas and the Epiphany and begin to look forward to Lent and then to Easter. This Sunday is also often called “Candlemas” as traditionally this was the day on which candles to be used the following year were blessed. Sometimes on this Sunday we will light a lot of candles in our churches as we think about God’s light shining in our dark world.

When Mary & Joseph took the baby Jesus into the temple they encountered an old man called Simeon. He was described as being righteous and devout and we are told that it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Christ. Simeon was in tune with God and when he saw the baby Jesus he recognised him for who he was and started praising God in these words:

“Lord now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace: according to thy word.

For mine eyes have seen thy salvation: which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; To be a light to lighten the Gentiles: and to be the glory of thy people Israel.” Luke 3: 29-32

Simeon recognised that Jesus was the promised Messiah who would bring light into a dark world and many people today also look to Jesus to shine light into their lives in these troubles times we all live through.

Jesus said: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8: 12

Jesus shines light into our lives and we are encouraged to help bring light into this dark world by the way we speak and act towards one another:

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5: 16

Brian Turner … Churchwarden St Mary’s Knockin.