LISTEN ONLINEIt 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.