This Sunday we will celebrate the Presentation of Our Lord. This important feast day of the Church goes by another name as well. In many Episcopal churches, this feast is called Candlemas. There are a couple of liturgical moments that make this day unique.
First, we pray and bless the candles we use in the church year. This year I’ve asked families to also bring candles that they might keep in their home to also be blessed as we thank God for the light he gives us. Secondly, on Sunday, you will notice a unique procession. We will process from the parish hall into the sanctuary carrying our light into the sanctuary. This year our procession will be led by our altar guild members and our scouts who are visiting for Scout Sunday.
On this Sunday, we are to remember that Jesus is our light in the world and our unique procession reminds us that God’s light is also in us. We, too, are bearers of God’s light! Each day we carry with us through words, action, and example the hope of Jesus Christ to a world that desperately needs it.
In Matthew chapter 5, Jesus tells his followers not to hide their light. He tells them no one lights a lamp and then hides it under a bushel basket! Instead you would put a lamp on a lampstand to light up the whole house (Matt. 5:15). As Christians, we are to live out our light. The encouragement here is not to inspire arrogance or boastfulness. The encouragement here is a reminder that there is someone else in the world who needs your light.
As you head out into the world after worship on Sunday, think of those who might be the recipient of your light. Think of those whose only bit of hope might be their encounter with you this week. Think of those whose glimpse of Jesus depends on your glimmer of light. Then, my friends, resolve to shine brightly before the world.
