His Word Today: The Presentation of the Lord

Presentation of Jesus in the Temple
by Giotto di Bondone

Good morning everyone,

Today, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord.  It was the prophet Malachi who spoke of the events celebrated on this feast.  He said:  And suddenly there will come to the temple the Lord whom you seek, and the messenger of the covenant whom you desire (Mal 3:1).  Many years after Malachi had proclaimed these words, When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, Mary and Joseph took Jesus up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (Lk 2:22).

So it is that 40 days after the birth of the Lord (begin counting the days on December 25), the days prescribed for the purification of Joseph and Mary were complete, and they came to present him to the Lord.  By bringing their child to Jerusalem, Joseph and Mary were respecting the Torah - the law of the Lord which states:  Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord (cf Exodus 13:2).

While it is customary for Christians in some parts of the world to remove Christmas decorations on the Feast of the Epiphany (January 6), in other parts of the world, Christians have historically waited until the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord to put away all signs of their Christmas celebrations.

The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord has also traditionally been known as Candlemas. On this day, many Christians (especially Anglicans, Methodists, Lutherans, Orthodox and Roman Catholics) bring candles to their local churches, where they are blessed and then used for the rest of the year.  For Christians, these blessed candles serve as a symbol of Jesus Christ, who referred to himself as the Light of the World.

As we remember and celebrate the Presentation of the Lord today, ask the Holy Spirit to point out the ways in which you can share the light of your faith with others.

Have a great day.