Candlemas
An old man waited his whole life to hold one baby. This is the day he did.
Forty days after Christmas, Mary and Joseph carried Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem, the way every Jewish family presented a firstborn son. They brought two small birds as their offering, which was the offering allowed for families who could not afford a lamb.
An old man named Simeon lived for the Temple. God had promised him that he would not die before he saw the Messiah, and he had believed it through a long lifetime of ordinary days. When Mary walked in carrying the baby, he knew. He took Jesus in his arms and said, now I can go in peace, because my eyes have seen the light of the world.
That word, light, is why the Church blesses candles on this day, enough to last the year. Winter is not over on February 2. But the light is in the building, and Simeon would tell you that changes the waiting.
Candlemas facts for kids
- The official name is the Presentation of the Lord. Candlemas is the nickname, from the candle blessing.
- It lands exactly 40 days after Christmas
- Simeon's prayer is still said by the whole Church every single night, at night prayer
- Groundhog Day lives on February 2 because of old Candlemas weather rhymes about winter ending
Feast day: February 2 · Patron of candles and long waits
The General Roman Calendar calls this feast the Presentation of the Lord.
Jesus, light a candle in me, and teach me to wait like Simeon, all the way to the end of the promise.