   Candlemas 2020

‘New light has dawned, the Son of God is here’

Candlemas marks the ritual presentation of the baby Jesus to God in the Temple at Jerusalem, 40 days after his birth. It also marks the day when the candles for the year were blessed. Often, it slips by almost unnoticed when it falls – as it usually does – on a weekday. This year Candlemas fell on Sunday 2^nd February and was celebrated very appropriately with an All Age Service.

The presentation of Jesus at the temple was an all-age event, with the baby Jesus, his parents, Simeon and Anna the 84 year old widow. At St John’s, the Candlemas candles were lit by small children with help from their parents, 14 year old Charles Graham confidently shared the readings with Rev Rona; and the service was attended by all ages, including a baby who had been baptised one year ago. A beautiful synergy to mark the dawning of a new light for the world.