Celebrating the Church Year: the Presentation of Jesus (February 2)

-something to read: The story of the presentation of  Jesus in the temple, found in Luke 2:22-40.
-something to ponder:

Blessed are they that dwell in thy house; they will be always praising thee.

   -Psalm 84:4 

-something to listen to: Simeon's song, the Nunc Dimittis (this one's in English, music by Purcell):

-Something to do: The Presentation is also known as Candlemas, and candles were traditionally blessed on this day. If you're up for something hands-on, this is a great day for making candles!

And, of course, for more great ideas on celebrating the church year, pick up a copy of "Let Us Keep the Feast: Living the Church Year at Home". 

Peace of Christ to you,
Jessica Snell

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Weekend Link Round-up!

"Sherlock’s Best Man Speech is Basically Fanfic, Moffat Says He’s Absolutely Not A Sociopath": Cool excerpts from the creator of "Sherlock".

"For the Love of the Light": how one woman celebrates Candlemas.

"Equivocation and Contraception": a nice bit of clarification in the middle of the pro-life discussions.

"Why Harlequin Is Not Just The Minor Leagues For Single Title":

I'll just come right out and say it. It takes a real author to be able to write for a series line, and certainly a strong writer to be successful at this.

Roast a whole head of cauliflower! - a friend passed this along to me as a Lenten recipe idea - looks great!

p.s. on Candlemas

With kids, this would be a great day to sing "This Little Light of Mine", and to talk about Jesus being the Light of the World. Today marks the halfway point in winter (it's exactly halfway between winter solstice and spring equinox), and it's a good day to remember that Christ came to lighten our darkness.

When my daughter started noticing that it got dark at night, I started telling her, "Yes, it is dark. But it's okay, 'cause Jesus is with us!" And now she says this mini-liturgy herself whenever we go outside in the dark. "It's dark. But Jesus is with us!" And, to tell the truth, hearing her remember that even helps me to be less afraid of the dark. Because it's true. With the Lord Christ at our side, we don't have to fear darkness, or hurt, or death.

"In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

Not a bad thing to remember halfway through the winter. We are now in the winter, but spring is coming. We are now on Earth, in a place of sickness and hurt, but the Lord Jesus will return, and will return soon.


peace of Christ to you,
Jessica

February 2: The Presentation of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Temple

Or, Candlemas.

Today celebrates the day that Mary (as a good, observant Jew) goes to the temple to be purified after giving birth to her firstborn son. She's met by Simeon, who prophesies over Jesus:

"Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you now dismiss your servant in peace.
For my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared in the sight of all people,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and for glory to your people Israel."

So, on this day of light, it's traditional to have all the house's candles blessed - all the candles you're going to use on the holy days for the entire rest of the year!

Meredith Gould suggests that it's a good day for candlemaking, so if you've ever wanted to try, go for it! And tell your kids about Simeon and Anna (instead of the groundhog).


peace of Christ to you,
Jessica