Candlemas 2011

Candlemas is not much celebrated these days, which is unfortunate.

Following the events of Bethlehem--a birth, and angels, and shepherds--life returned to its more normal rhythms. Joseph takes Mary to the Temple of Jerusalem for presentation of their child, to fulfill the traditions of the faith and the day.

Of, course, with this child and family, not much would ever be considered 'normal'.

As found in the account in Luke 2, the day included a divine appointment:

(beginning v. 25) And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.

And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,

Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.

And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.

One of the great 'Whoodathunkit' moments of history. The old man knew, as bleak as the situation was, that he had every reason for optimism, and that before departing this vale, he would see his hopes realized in the flesh. Not some platitude or good feeling or promise--he was gonna see the Real Deal. All he had to do was wait, remain faithful, and go about his business. And that's what he was doing that same morning; going about his business, just like Mary and Joseph were going about theirs.

So, OS, before heading back to his overcrowded schedule, wants to post a word of hope to all ya'll who are watching a large part of the world beginning to burn down:

Sit tight, you're in safe hands, so go about your business and remain faithful. You never know who you might run into later today, when you least expect it.

And, in honor of the day, the BBC broadcast this week's Evensong from King's College Cambridge. It's an hour of utter beauty and inspiration, and will be archived for a week. Don't ya'll procrastinate, and don't neglect to listen. It'll do your soul good.