On February 2 we observe the Feast of the Presentation, when Jesus was presented in the temple 40 days after his birth, as required by Jewish law.
This day is also called Candlemas. Falling midway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox, Candlemas historically was a day to bring candles to church to be blessed, drawing upon Simeon’s statement that Jesus is s “light to reveal” God to the nations.
As a sign of new beginnings, many people commit to new goals on Candlemas. In some parts of the world, Candlemas is associated with the beginning of spring. So, this year on Feb. 2, you could focus on the returning light of lengthening days.
This message is an excerpt from “Groundhog Day” by Linda Post Bushkofsky in the January/February 2018 issue of Gather magazine. Today we observe the Presentation of Our Lord and Groundhog Day.
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