Celebrate the Light of the World on Candlemas

The Church celebrates a special feast day on February 2nd - Candlemas, also known as the Presentation of the Lord. This feast commemorates the day when Mary and Joseph brought the infant Jesus to the temple, as was the custom, to be presented to the Lord.

To celebrate this feast, many churches will bless candles on Candlemas Day, reminding us that Christ is the light that guides our path. Families can participate in this tradition by bringing candles from home to be blessed, which can then be used throughout the year, especially during prayer, celebrating feast days, or times when extra protection of God's grace is needed.

The Presentation of the Lord

The Gospel account of the Presentation of the Lord is found in Luke 2:22-40. It describes how Mary and Joseph brought the infant Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem to be consecrated to the Lord, as was the custom. There, they encountered the elderly Simeon, who recognized Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah.

Simeon took the child in his arms and proclaimed, "Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel." This is where the special prayer called the "Nunc dimittis" - a canticle often prayed as part of Compline.

This event is significant because it marks the first time Jesus was recognized publicly as the Savior, the Light of the World. Simeon's prophecy also foretold the suffering that Mary would endure as the mother of the Messiah.

Celebrating Candlemas at Home

There are many ways families can celebrate Candlemas at home. Some ideas include:

• Bringing candles to mass to be blessed for use throughout the year during prayer, feast days, or times needing extra blessing and light.
• Creating a "Presentation of the Lord" tableau with a baby doll, Mary, and Joseph.
• Making paper lanterns or decorating candles as a craft.
• Enjoying a special Candlemas meal, such as crepes or other foods associated with the feast.
• Reading the Gospel account of the Presentation of the Lord as a family.
• Singing hymns that celebrate Jesus as the Light of the World.
• Learning how to dip your own little candles.

For children, Candlemas offers a wonderful opportunity to contemplate Jesus' role as messiah and Light to the World. As we honor this feast, let us resolve to be bearers of that light, sharing it with all we encounter.