Today, February 2nd, is the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. It is also Candlemas. It's a day of great spiritual meaning, yet it somehow has become mostly noted for being Groundhog's Day. It's a shame that many people don't even know about this Feast, much less celebrate it's liturgical significance.
First of all, February 2nd is forty days after Christmas. It's the very end of the Christmas season. Many people leave their Nativity scenes displayed until this day.
According to Mosaic Law, Jesus, the first born, was brought to the Temple on the 40th day after His birth. A sacrifice of two turtle doves was made. The Temple ritual also included the Purification of Mary (which was actually unneccessary because she was sinless, but nevertheless she submitted herself to this tradition according to the Law). You can read about the Presentation in the Temple in Luke 2:22-35. The Scripture tells of the prophecies of Simeon and Anna.
We know Simeon's prophecy as the Nunc Dimittis:
NOW dismiss Thy servant, O Lord, * in peace, according to Thy word: For mine own eyes hath seen * Thy salvation, Which Thou hast prepared * in the sight of all the peoples, A light to reveal Thee to the nations * and the glory of Thy people Israel.
Jesus was recognized as a light to the nations! Thus, over time, the tradition of Candlemas developed. On this day candles are blessed for liturgical use in churches and homes. Candlelight processions are held.
This day falls halfway between winter solstice and spring equinox. The light is gradually returning as we turn toward spring. Today we celebrate the light and the Light who is Jesus. Our eyes turn from the manger toward the Cross as we approach Lent.
Because of this significant turning point in the seasons, this day also became a day for predicting the weather. An old English song describes this tradition --
If Candlemas be fair and bright,
Come winter, have another flight;
If Candlemas bring clouds and rain,
Go winter, and come not again.
Come winter, have another flight;
If Candlemas bring clouds and rain,
Go winter, and come not again.
It's easy to see how Groundhog's Day evolved from such folklore!
This day is so filled with meaning and symbolism that it is even commemorated by New Age and Wicca followers.... often termed "Imbolc." Ancient Celtic legends and rituals are rememberd and performed as Spring is anticipated and welcomed.
See? I told you it's a day filled with meaning! And I didn't even mention Saint Brigid of Ireland. It's her Feast Day as well.
How blessed we are to have such a rich liturgical bounty. We can learn and celebrate more and more year after year, binding ourselves to the Church of all ages and to God who is the center of our lives!
For us, this was the first of many tax season Saturdays when Jon had to work. However, the office closed at noon and all of the employees and their families got together for an afternoon of bowling fun! It was great for us to have some family time before tax season becomes too harried.
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| Jon being attacked by two crazy "alley-gators." |
Yesterday, all of the families at our co-op were given these information sheets and prayer cards about Candlemas.... along with some yummy "pretzel candles." As part of our dinnertime, we read and prayed and ate our candle treats.
Lord Jesus Christ,
Light of the Nations and glory of Israel,
make your home among us.
Bless us and enable us to be a blessing to others
that we may reveal your light, your love, and your glory
today and always.
Amen.
(I did not get a picture of this procession because I was too busy making sure our house was not set on fire!)
And the day was capped off with Jon and Adam attending a hockey game with their friends! Ray and I watched at home. As you can see below, we're a divided family when the Blue Jackets play the Red Wings!
And so.... the groundhog didn't see his shadow here.
We're definitely looking toward spring... and focusing on following Jesus our Light!
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