It was a gloomy, wintry night as I ate my poached eggs and cleaned the house, which a month earlier had been shorn of Christmas decorations. If only I’d known that 2 February is the Christmas feast of Candlemas, I’d have relished French ‘Crêpes de la Chandeleur’ (Candlemas pancakes) instead, basking in the warm glow of candlelit company.
Candlemas, I learned, celebrates Simeon and Anna’s praise, joy and thanksgiving on meeting baby Jesus, forty days after his birth. That was the day, according to Mosaic Law, when Mary and Joseph presented their newborn Child to God (Luke 2:22–24). Candlelight symbolises Simeon’s Holy Spirit-given discernment, that Jesus was the “light for revelation to the Gentiles” (v. 32). In other words, the “Messiah” (v. 26), God’s “salvation” ( v. 30), offering God’s eternal life to all people. He would be the “glory” of God (v. 32), the manifestation of God’s nature, power and promises. As Simeon praised God, Anna, “[came] up to them at that very moment” (v. 38), and overhearing him, her spontaneous thanksgiving overflowed, and she “spoke about the child” to others.
Medieval English tradition suggests clearing Christmas decorations on Candlemas eve. But the gift of God’s presence remains with us through Jesus today and forever. As we embrace this wonderful truth, whether with poached eggs or pancakes, our joy will overflow with thanks to God and to others too.
By Anne Le Tissier
REFLECT & PRAY
How has the joy of God’s presence in Jesus encouraged you on gloomy or difficult days? To whose sorrow or pain can you carry the light of His life today?
Loving God, thank You that through Jesus, You are with me always, in every season and every problem or pain. I praise You for that comfort to my heart today.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Most Israelites were anticipating the arrival of Messiah, and one might expect that the religious leaders would have been among them. Yet they seemed to miss Him despite the signs and prophecy (see Matthew 2:1–6). In contrast, Luke 2 informs us of Simeon and Anna, who recognized Him at once. What made the difference? In the case of Simeon and Anna, they actively sought out a close relationship with God. The text says of Simeon, “Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts” (v. 27 ), indicating that he was customarily sensitive to God’s leading. As for Anna, it appears she literally lived at the temple (v. 37). Both Simeon and Anna knew what the arrival of the Christ child meant.
Tim Gustafson
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