This Sunday, we celebrate Candlemas: The Presentation of Christ to the Temple.
Candlemas marks the end of our long season of incarnation. To celebrate, all the churches of the Waltham Group come together for a joint Eucharist in New Waltham. (There are no morning eucharists at All Saints, Waltham, this day)
The gospel story tells of an old man called Simeon, who has been told that he will not die till he has seen the saviour. When Simeon sees the child Jesus in Mary’s arm, he realises that God’s promise has been fulfilled and begins to sing a song of praise, which names Jesus as ‘a light to lighten the nations, and the glory of God’s people Israel.’
The Feast of the Presentation therefore became the day that the church blesses candles — candles to light in worship, and candles we light at home all through the year.
If you would like to have candles blessed for your home, please bring whatever candles you wish to the Eucharist on Sunday.
Eucharist for Candlemas
Sunday, 2 Feb. 10 am
St Matthew’s, New Waltham
There will, of course, be tea & cake after the service.
The celebration continues with Evensong at 6.30 pm at All Saints, Waltham.
