Candlemas: Am I Seeing the Light?

Photo:Shari Chambers, GNU Free Documentation Lic.

February second is an important day for school teachers and speech therapists.  It's the day we break out the Groundhog Day books, games, and activities. I spent my day with Moonbear's Shadow and groups full of giggly three and four-year-olds today. Groundhog Day preparations remind me of a couple of things: a really horrible Bill Murray movie, (okay, maybe you liked it, but I hated it!), and the fact that February 2 is also Candlemas.

The entwining of Groundhog Day and Candlemas reaches back a few centuries.  It is the result of the merging of European weather lore and Christian customs.  Like many elements of our common history, the two have become tangled a bit.  At any rate, round about the 17th and 18th centuries, there were traditions about bears, badgers, or groundhogs and their reactions to the weather which could be used as predictions about the length of Winter.  There were also Scottish and English customs that held that Candlemas Day was a turning point for the weather.  The perceived relationship is evident in this old Scottish poem:

If Candlemas be fair and bright,
Winter has another flight.
If Candlemas brings clouds and rain,
Winter will not come again.

Aert de Gelder, Simeon’s song of praise.

The groundhog's appearance is taken pretty seriously by many people each year.  His reaction to his shadow bodes either fair or ill for those who would like to see Spring.  The importance of his showing, though, pales in comparison the the presentation that we Christians recognize and remember on Candlemas day.  It is on this day that we remember the presentation of our Lord in the temple on his fortieth day of life.  It is customary to bring candles to mass on this day, to be blessed, as a sign of Jesus and the illumination that he brought and continues to give. Each year, as Spring dawns, we look forward to longer days and the reappearance of sunshine.  With the dawning of the birth of Our Lord, though, we received the greatest light: The Light of the World.

In contemplating this, I often wonder: Am I allowing His light to guide my path?  Am I seeing...really seeing...the light that He brought into the world?  Am I pausing to soak it in and allow it to fill me with love? Am I allowing His presentation to the world to turn my life-winter around and usher in the spring of grace?  Am I?

Simeon waited his whole life to experience the presentation of our Lord.  Upon seeing him, he had this to say:

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.
(Book of Common Prayer, 1662)

What a gift we have in Jesus, the Light of the World.  May He shine through us, in spite of our inadequacies, to light dark places and fill the hearts of his children with illumination.
Pax Christi, dear ones,
~Michelle

Experience the Song of Simeon here.

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Today is Candlemas, and Why It Matters

Linked with blogs on the Blog Hops page.

Nunc Dimittis, Song of Simeon for Candlemas

For a lovely rendition of the Song of Simeon by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, you will find this video to be a blessing:

(Click the pause button on the music player before viewing the video.  You'll find the music player near the top of the right sidebar.)---------->

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Today is Candlemas, and Why It Matters

Today is Candlemas...and Why It Matters

Photo: Lawrence OP, click for license

Today, Feb. 2,  is the fortieth day after Christmas.  Upon the fortieth day following birth, devout practicing Jews, like Mary and Joseph, presented themselves in the temple for the ritual purification of the new mother, and to redeem the first born son, who by rights, belonged to God. While Epiphany-tide may last a bit longer depending on the date of Easter, the Christmas season ends, completely, today.

Upon Jesus' presentation in the temple, he was encountered by two rather significant people, the aged and devout Simeon, and the very aged prophetess Ana.  They each had been waiting a long time for this.  They knew his worth, and, the world changing event which had occurred with his coming.

Simeon's song upon experiencing this meeting is well known, and is part of the evening prayers of many liturgical Christians:

"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 2: 29-32

Imagine their joy, upon meeting their Lord.  It could be our song, couldn't it?  Each of us. Redeemed and overcome with peace.

PD {1923}

As the days lengthen, and the light returns, we have this day to recognize the true light among us, and rejoice.  Meditate upon his priceless worth today, and welcome him, will you?

~~~~~~~~~

Soon, Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) will be upon us...a last hurrah of Epiphany-tide.  The next day will be Ash Wednesday, our entry into the solemnity, introspection, re commitment, and self-renewal of Lent...which is observed in preparation for the Holiest Feast of all, the Feast of the Resurrection of our Lord.  We have much to anticipate.

Pax Christi, Friends,

~Michelle

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