The celebration of Candlemas

You'll have to forgive me if I get some of this wrong, it's not a holiday I've been really aware of before, so I'm just learning... Today, in addition to being Groundhog Day, is also Candlemas. Although the holiday is also known as the Feast of Purification of the Virgin (Mary), it seems to me that the holiday is more about the Jesus - specifically the presentation of the baby Jesus at the temple. This holiday marks the end the Epiphany season, and also the end of Christmas.

I just thought it was an interesting holiday since it celebrates when Mary and Joseph took their infant son Jesus to the temple and were met there by Simeon, a man who is recorded in the bible as being "righteous and devout." God had promised Simeon that he would not die until he had seen the Messiah, and upon seeing Jesus, he took Jesus in his arms and said to Mary and Joseph:

"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." Luke 2:29-32

and

"This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel,
and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts
of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too."
Luke 22:34-35

There was also a prophetess named Anna who gave prayers and praise to God for Jesus and then spoke publicly to those gathered about Jesus and the redemption he would bring Israel.

I personally find this holiday interesting because it highlights a moment in Jesus's infancy. Since there is so little written about him as a child, I think that anything we can learn about his childhood is pretty neat. Especially since I have kids now, there's more interest about his family and childhood and upbringing - which as I said there's not much info on. I'm not really sure if this is something we'll try to incorporate into our family celebrations as our kids get older, I suppose we'll have to find out more about it and the preceding celebrations that make up the rest of the Epiphany season, but it's a start!

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The celebration of Candlemas

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