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The Presentation in the Temple by the Master of the Life of the Virgin c. 1460-75 National Gallery, London |
The season of joyful celebration that begins at Christmas continues
through the successive Sundays of Epiphany, and the festal cycle ends only
with the Feast of the Presentation (Candlemas).The child who has been
manifested to the Magi at his birth is now recognized by Simeon and Anna,
when he comes to be presented in theTemple according to the Law of Israel.
He is both ‘a light to lighten the Gentiles’ and ‘the glory of God’s people
Israel’. But the redemption he will bring must be won through suffering; the Incarnation is directed to the Passion; and Simeon’s final words move
our attention away from the celebration of Christmas and towards the
mysteries of Easter.
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| Candlemas at St Jude's 2012 |
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| Candlemas at St Jude's 2012 |
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| Photos by Sohrab Kavir
Lord God, the springing source
of everlasting light, pour into the hearts of your faithful people
the brilliance of your eternal splendour, that we, who by these kindling flames
light up this temple to your
glory,
may have the darkness of our souls dispelled, and so be counted worthy to stand before you in that eternal city where you live and reign, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. |