Hope this finds you and the family well - January is nearly gone already, it’s getting lighter all the time and Spring is on the way - Hooray!

MESSY MESSAGEYou may have noticed some snowdrops flowering already despite the wintry weather we have been having. They are the first flowers to spring up in my garden and are also known as Candlemas Bells. In the Church's calendar, Candlemas, is celebrated on February 2nd. Originally that was forty days after Jesus was born and when Mary and Joseph went to the Temple and presented the baby Jesus to God as a thanksgiving.The word “Candlemas" comes from the practice of the priest blessing candles on that day for use throughout the year. Custom says that snowdrops flower at this time of year to symbolise hope, and Jesus as the “light of the world”.MESSY ACTIVITYYou can make your own Candlemas candle quite simply-just choose a nice large tangerine or satsuma, cut the top off and scoop out the juicy fruit leaving just the skin (you can enjoy the juicy centre later). Cut the triangular shapes into the skin and add some cloves to decorate the top. Then just add a little candle tea light inside and light your candle. Why not try it - the end result should be like the one in the photo - it looks good and smells very nice too. (Adult supervision is needed of course cutting and with lighting the candle and never leave candles lit if you leave the room).As you light your Candlemas candle, you can think about how you can show hope, kindness and friendship to those you meet. You can also give thanks for those people who are lights in your life.Happy Candlemas!Best wishes Eleanor, Delphine and the Acton and Bednall Messy Church Team