The start of February is a significant time in both the church’s year and the cycle of the seasons in this country. February 2nd is the date when we celebrate the presentation of Christ in the Temple and is also known as Candlemas. It is also the mid-point between the winter and spring equinoxes when we start to have a sense of turning again to the light.

The famous words of Simeon, the priest in the Temple who recognises the infant Jesus, speak of the coming of Jesus as a Light to the world:

[Simeon] took him up in his arms and blessed God and said,

“Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word;

for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,

a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.” Luke 2: 28-32

Traditionally snowdrops are a symbol of this season in Britain. Many people love them especially as they are often the first flowers to appear, at a time when we still feel as if we are in the midst of winter. Snowdrops and the gradually lengthening days enable us to look ahead with hope for warmer, brighter days.

What brings you hope in times of darkness?
Where might you find the Light of Christ in your life or the world around you?

Candlemas

They came, as called, according to the Law.
Though they were poor and had to keep things simple,
They moved in grace, in quietness, in awe,
For God was coming with them to His temple.
Amidst the outer court’s commercial bustle
They’d waited hours, enduring shouts and shoves,
Buyers and sellers, sensing one more hustle,
Had made a killing on the two young doves.
They come at last with us to Candlemas
And keep the day the prophecies came true
We glimpse with them, amidst our busyness,
The peace that Simeon and Anna knew.
For Candlemas still keeps His kindled light,
Against the dark our Saviour’s face is bright.

- Malcolm Guite