Growing up in the 80’s we always seemed to have a box in the cupboard that was full of candles. Not the candles you have on a birthday cake – they were in a different cupboard, but proper big candles. They were there in case the electricity went out and we would then be able to see by lighted candles. I’m not sure why though. My dad was a postman, so he always had a bike light or 4 around the house somewhere. Candles weren’t really needed. Candles bring us light in the darkness. They shine their best when surrounded by darkness.
On Friday we celebrated Candlemas. Traditionally people brought their candles to church for them to be blessed before they used them during the year. On the festival of Candlemas Christians remember how Mary and Joseph took Jesus to the Temple 40 days after his birth in line with their Jewish customs.
It was there they met Anna and Simeon who saw the child and praised God for this small baby whom they recognised as the Son of God. Simeon, a very old man by the time he met Jesus, said:
God, you can now release your servant;
release me in peace as you promised.
With my own eyes I’ve seen your salvation;
it’s now out in the open for everyone to see:
A God-revealing light to the non-Jewish nations,
and of glory for your people Israel.
Luke 2:29-32 The Message
The God revealing light of Jesus that Simeon spoke of is still with us today through Jesus who can guide our journey through life in the good times and the bad. It is a light, that unlike a candle will never go out.
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