January 30, 2025

Candlemas

This coming Sunday, February 2 is The Feast of the Presentation, also known as Candlemas. It commemorates the presentation of Jesus at the Temple and, historically, the purification of the Virgin Mary, as described in the Gospel of Luke. As a pivotal event in the liturgical calendar, it reflects themes of revelation, redemption, and the fulfillment of prophecy. Although we seldom notice it, except as Groundhog’s day, it is one of only ten Holy Days that take precedence when they fall on a Sunday. That means that this week we’ll hear the readings not for the fourth Sunday after the Epiphany but for the Presentation and Candlemas.

Traditionally, the day is marked by the blessing of candles, symbolizing the light of Christ. Please bring any candles (or other light sources) that you would like to have blessed and we will bless them all at the altar during each service with prayers that we may carry Christ’s light to enlighten the nations out into our world. (We’ll have a few extras in case you don’t have a candle or forget.)