Feast of the Presentation also known as Candlemas

Readings: Malachi 3.1-5, Psalm 24.1-10, Hebrews 2.14-18, Luke 2.22-40

Let us pray: May the words of my mouth and the thoughts and meditations of all our hearts be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, our strength and our redeemer. Amen

A word: Forty days ago, we celebrated the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. Today the season of Christmas is drawn to its close on this Feast Day on which we recall the day that Jesus was presented in the Temple. At that time, the presentation of first-born sons and purification of the mothers was a deep-rooted custom. On this particular day, when this special child was brought to the temple to be presented, an old man was called by God to come and meet his Lord and saviour. A short while later, an old woman also came and gave witness that this was the one that God’s people were waiting for. Today, we present ourselves to God, just as Jesus was presented. Today we come forward for purification just as Mary was purified. Today we recognise Jesus is Lord and sing of his glory, just like Simeon and Anna did. Today, as we celebrate the joy of Jesus coming and look back to the day of his birth, we also look forward to the time of his passion and death, to save us all. Today, on the Feast of Candlemas, we change our attention and focus from the crib of the nativity and turn towards the cross of our salvation, by putting away our advent candles and Christmas decorations then preparing ourselves for the forthcoming season of Lent.

Let us pray: Lord Jesus Christ, light of the nations and glory of Israel: make your home among us and present us pure and holy to your heavenly Father, your God, and ours. Amen