Tomorrow, February 2nd, is Candlemas, one of the “Lesser Festivals” on the Lutheran liturgical calendar. It commemorates the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple, a story reported by Luke in chapter 2, at verses 25-40.
At the time of Jesus’ birth, Jewish tradition dictated that on the fortieth day after giving birth the parents would go to the temple to present their child to the Lord. Forty days from Christmas day brings us to February 2nd, which is why we celebrate Candlemas then.
What Luke reports is that when Mary and Joseph took the infant Jesus to the temple that day, the wise old man Simeon, moved by the Spirit, took the child into his arms, proclaiming: "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."
These words of Simeon's, of course, quickly became known as the nunc dimittis, the beloved canticle of “Christ’s light,” that to this day is a cornerstone of evening prayer and compline. In some churches, special services are held on Candlemas in which this story of Luke is re-told and the church’s candles for the year are blessed in a ceremony featuring the eternal light of Christ.
We don’t bless our candles at Holy Trinity, but we certainly do try to live each day guided by the Light of Christ. I hope the light of our Savior burns brightly in your home and heart during these grey days of winter. And if it is not, or has been dimming of late, I invite you to go back and re-read the story of Simeon and Anna, and allow yourself to be drawn in by its luminous simplicity.
In Christ's radiance,
Pastor Luther