The Presentation of Christ in the Temple: Candlemas

Forty days ago we celebrated the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. Now we recall the day on which he was presented in the Temple, offered to God his Father by Mary and Joseph and shown to his people. In their old age Simeon and Anna recognized him as their Messiah. Today we celebrate his coming but also look forward to the days of his passion. Simeon prophesied that this child would be a sign that would be rejected and that a sword would pierce his mother’s soul; Anna spoke loudly of him to all who passed by. Let us pray that with them we may recognise the light of Christ and also be ready to witness to his light.

Collect

Almighty and ever-living God,

clothed in majesty,

whose beloved Son was this day presented in the Temple,

in substance of our flesh:

grant that we may be presented to you

with pure and clean hearts,

by your Son Jesus Christ our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.