The Presentation of the Lord

The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, celebrated on February 2nd, commemorates the presentation of the infant Jesus in the Temple by Mary and Joseph, forty days after his birth. This feast is also known as Candlemas due to the blessing of candles that traditionally takes place.

The Gospel Account

According to Jewish law, a firstborn son was to be consecrated to the Lord, and the mother was to undergo purification forty days after childbirth. Luke's Gospel records this event:

"When the days of their purification according to the law of Moses were fulfilled, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, 'Every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord'),…" — Luke 2:22-24

Simeon and Anna

At the Temple, the Holy Family encountered two elderly prophets who recognized the child's identity:

Simeon, a righteous man who had been promised he would not die before seeing the Messiah, took Jesus in his arms and proclaimed the Nunc Dimittis:

"'Now you are releasing your servant, Master, according to your word, in peace; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared before the face of all peoples; a light for revelation to the nations, and the glory of your people Israel.'" — Luke 2:29-32

He also prophesied to Mary: "A sword will pierce through your own soul also."

Anna, an 84-year-old prophetess who never left the Temple, gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who awaited Jerusalem's redemption.

Candlemas

The blessing of candles on this day symbolizes Simeon's words: "a light for revelation to the Gentiles." The faithful carry lighted candles in procession, and candles to be used throughout the year are blessed. This tradition dates to at least the 7th century.

Theological Significance

The Presentation reveals:

• Jesus as the fulfillment of the Law: He who came to fulfill the Law submits to its requirements
• Jesus as Light: He is the light that enlightens all nations
• Mary's offering: The humble offering of the poor (two turtledoves) and the future offering of her heart's sorrow
• The meeting of Old and New: The aged prophets represent the Old Covenant meeting its fulfillment

End of Christmas Season

In many liturgical traditions, the Presentation marks the close of the Christmas season, representing Jesus' first entry into the Temple—the house of his Father.