Candlemas

The second day of the month of February is traditionally known as Candlemas,

marking forty days after Christmas.  This day commemorates the Presentation

of Christ in the Temple.  In the early Church, the practice of carrying lighted 

candles in procession symbolizes Jesus as the "Light of the world".

In many European countries, Christmas decorations are taken down

in homes and churches on this day.

"Simeon took Him up in his arms and praised and thanked God

and said, "And now, Lord, You are releasing Your servant to depart,

 to leave this world in peace, according to Your word. For with my own

eyes I have seen Your salvation."

Luke 2:28-30

The Presentation In The Temple

Giovanni Bellini

(1459)

Light of the Gentile nations,

Thy people's joy and love,

Drawn by Thy Spirit hither,

We gladly come to prove

Thy presence in Thy temple,

And wait with earnest mind

As Simeon once had waited

His Savior God to find.

Yes, Lord, Thy servants meet Thee,

E'en now in ev'ry place,

Where Thy true Word hath promised

That they should see Thy face.

Thou yet wilt gently grant us,

Who gather round Thee here,

In faith's strong arms to bear Thee,

As once that aged seer.

Be Thou our joy, our brightness,

That shines 'mid pain and loss,

Our sun in times of terror,

The glory round our cross;

A glow in sinking spirits,

A sunbeam in distress,

Physician, friend in sickness;

In death our happiness.

Let us, O Lord, be faithful

With Simeon to the end,

That so his dying song may

From all our hearts ascend;

"O Lord, now let Thy servant

Depart in peace for aye,

Since I have seen my Savior,

Have here beheld His day."

My Savior, I behold Thee

Now with the eye of faith;

No foe of Thee can rob me,

Though bitter words he saith;

Within Thy heart abiding,

As Thou dost dwell in me,

No pain, no death has terrors

To part my soul from Thee!

Light Of The World

Harold Lyon

Light Of The Gentile Nations

(Herr Jesu, Licht der Heiden)

Johann Franck

(1674)

Translated from German by

Catherine Winkworth

(1863)