02/02/2021
Today is Candlemas.
Whatever your beliefs, you are invited to take a candle that has been blessed by our Vicar as a symbol of light and hope in these difficult times.
Candles are on the wall outside 304 London Road.
Much love,
The congregation of St. Nicholas' Church
What is Candlemas?
February 2 is one of the great cross-quarter days: it falls half way between the winter solstice and the spring equinox and in many traditions is considered the beginning of spring.
A time of renewal:
Candlemas was traditionally the time for preparing the fields for the first planting. The promises of the return of the light and the renewal of life which were made at the winter solstice are now becoming manifest.
A time of purification:
The Christian Church celebrates the Purification of Mary after childbirth and the presentation of the infant Christ in the Temple. Jesus is recognized as God’s promised Son from the time of his infancy; one of these recognitions occurs in Luke 2:21 when Simeon, who had been promised by God that he would see the Saviour before the end of his life, recognizes the infant Jesus, when He is presented in the Temple, as the Christ, saying:
”Lord, now you release me, your servant, in peace by fulfilling your promise.
For I have seen your salvation with my own eyes, given for all of us on earth;
to be the light that shows all people Your love, even those who do not yet believe, and to be the Glory of the faithful”.
Or, more traditionally:
“Lord, thou 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;
To be a light to lighten the Gentiles and to be the glory of thy people Israel.”
A time of light:
This is why candles are brought to church to be blessed by the priest on February 2nd.
Candlemas is a traditional time to take down Christmas decorations (12th Night, January 6th, is another)
