Today is the Presentation of Our Lord. It celebrates the 40th day after birth of Jesus when Mary and Joseph brought him to the temple in Jerusalem in order to offer sacrifices. Here they met the prophetess Anna and the priest Simeon who took up the child and said:
Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
Because of the words “A light to lighten the Gentiles,” this became the day for blessing all the candles that would be used in the church for the next year. Hence it received the name Candlemas. It was also regarded as the absolute end of the Christmas season.
When Simeon blessed the child he said to Mary, “This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed–and a sword will pierce your own soul too.” It seems a cruel thing to say at such a joyous time, but of the features of the Christmas celebration is to point ahead to the death of Jesus. Remember the carol “What Child is This” with the words “Nails, spears, shall pierce him through. The cross he bore for me, for you”?
May we, with Simeon and Anna, rejoice that the light has come to us.
Read Luke 2:22-40, and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally.
Wayne
Today’s Reading: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%202:22-40
Joy Lutheran Church Ocala, Florida 