Just when you thought Christmas was long behind us, along comes Candlemas—a final flicker of the Christmas season before we fully turn the page. February 2nd, exactly 40 days after Christmas, marks the Presentation of Our Lord, when Mary and Joseph brought baby Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem, as prescribed by Jewish law. While the world may have packed away the holiday decorations weeks ago, Candlemas gives us one last chance to bask in the glow of Christ’s birth.
Why 40 days? The number has deep biblical significance. The Israelites wandered 40 years in the desert before entering the Promised Land. The great flood lasted 40 days and nights before Noah saw the first sign of hope. In the Gospel of Luke, we see that after 40 days, Mary and Joseph journeyed to the Temple for two important rituals: Mary’s purification and Jesus’ presentation to the Lord (Luke 2:22-40).
According to Jewish law (Leviticus 12), a mother was considered ritually impure for 40 days after giving birth to a son. At that time, she would offer a sacrifice at the Temple—a lamb if the family was well-off or two turtledoves if of modest means. Mary and Joseph, bringing two birds, remind us that our Savior was born into humble circumstances.
During this visit to the Temple, they encounter Simeon, an elderly man who had been waiting for the Messiah. Upon seeing Jesus, he proclaims the beautiful words known as the Nunc Dimittis, a ritual expression often used in liturgies:
“Lord, now you let your servant depart in peace… for my eyes have seen your salvation.”
Simeon recognizes Jesus as the Light of the World, which is why this day became associated with blessing candles in churches. Hence, the name Candlemas!
So if you’re not quite ready to let go of Christmas, join us on Sunday, February 2nd, at 9:30 AM as we celebrate Candlemas – the Presentation of Our Lord. We will give thanks for the gift of Christ, our guiding Light, who shines through all seasons.
After all, why rush to let go of a good thing?
Blessings,
Pastor Marc
