Feast of the Presentation also known as Candlemas

Opening Prayer Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Readings: Malachi 3.1-5, Psalm 24.1-10, Hebrews 2.14-18, Luke 2.22-40

Let us pray: May the words of my mouth and the thoughts and meditations of all our hearts be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, our strength and our redeemer. Amen

A word: About forty days ago, we celebrated the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. Today the season of Christmas is drawn to its close on this Feast Day on which we recall the day that Jesus was presented in the Temple. In Jesus’ time, the presentation of first-born sons and purification of the mothers was a deep-rooted custom. On this particular day, when this special child was brought to the temple to be presented, an old man was called by God to come and meet his Lord and saviour. A short while later, an old woman also came and gave witness that this was the one that God’s people were waiting for. Today, we present ourselves to God, just as Jesus was presented. Today we come forward for purification just as Mary was purified. Today we come forward to meet Jesus and sing of his glory, just like Simeon and Anna did. For, today, we celebrate the joy of Jesus coming into the world and look back to the day of his birth. Today, we also look forward to the time of his passion and death because He came into the world to save us. On this feast day, the Feast of the Presentation, also known as Candlemas, we are called to turn our attention and focus away from the crib of the nativity and turn towards the cross of our salvation. For today is the time to put away our advent candles, our nativity cribs and Christmas decorations and get ready to prepare ourselves for the season of Lent.

The Lord's Prayer Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be they name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive them that trespass against us. Deliver us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen

Let us pray: Lord Jesus Christ, light of the nations and glory of Israel: make your home among us and present us pure and holy to your heavenly Father, your God, and ours. Amen

Prayer of blessing: May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the Love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all, now and evermore. Amen.

Closing Note This message is sent to you with love and prayers as: a word of encouragement and a sign of hope.