Feast of the presentation of the lord
Candlemas, which is also referred to as the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, is a significant Christian observance that takes place on February 2nd. This feast marks an important event in the early life of Jesus and embodies themes of obedience, light, and the fulfillment of God’s promises. Known by various names—including Candlemas, the Presentation of the Lord, and Mary’s Purification—the feast emphasizes different facets of the same biblical event.
What Is Candlemas?
Candlemas is the traditional name for this festival that celebrates Jesus as the light of the world. The name comes from the ancient custom of blessing and lighting candles during religious ceremonies. This ritual is based on Simeon’s declaration in the Gospel of Luke, where he refers to the infant Jesus as “a light for revelation to the Gentiles.” Thus, candles represent Christ’s arrival to illuminate a world shrouded in darkness.
What Is the Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord?
The event recorded in Luke 2:22-40, when Mary and Joseph took the baby Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem, is celebrated during the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. According to Jewish custom, the firstborn male child was to be dedicated to God. Simeon and the prophetess Anna recognized Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah. Jesus’ commitment to God and his revelation as Savior are the central themes of the festival.
Mary’s Purification
The purification of Mary refers to the observance of the rites prescribed by Jewish law after the birth of a child. This event is recorded in Luke 2:22-24 and is an essential part of what Christians celebrate during the Feast of the Epiphany.
According to Leviticus 12, a woman who gave birth to a male child was considered religiously unclean for forty days:
Although according to Christian belief Mary was sinless and therefore did not need purification, she freely chose to obey the law. Her actions reveal:
- Humility – she does not claim special privileges
- Obedience – she faithfully follows God’s commandments
- Solidarity with her people – she fully participates in the life of Israel
By submitting to the law, Mary demonstrates her complete trust in God’s plan.
Luke mentions that Mary and Joseph offered two turtledoves or two young pigeons (Luke 2:24). This account is significant because:
- It indicates the poverty of the Holy Family
- It fulfills the law’s provision for the poor
- It shows that Jesus enters the world with humility, not wealth or power
This offering emphasizes that God’s salvation comes through simplicity and faith.
In the Western Church, this feast was long called the “Consecration of the Blessed Virgin Mary.” In the Eastern Church, the emphasis is on the encounter with the Lord, which highlights the encounter between Christ and his people. Both traditions honor Mary’s role and ultimately point to Christ.
Why Is the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord Celebrated on February 2nd?
The feast is celebrated on February 2nd because it falls forty days after Christmas, which is celebrated on December 25th. The festival is directly related to Jewish law, the birth of Jesus, and the Christian liturgical calendar. The date is not symbolic or arbitrary; it follows precisely from biblical tradition.
According to Jewish tradition, both the presentation of a firstborn child and the mother’s purification took place forty days after birth. The date therefore follows directly from the Nativity and marks the final major feast of the Christmas season.
Conclusion
The Solemnity of Mary, the Feast of Candlemas, and the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord are all titles for a single, significant holiday. Celebrated on February 2, the feast honors the manifestation of Christ as the light of the world, Mary’s surrender to the law, and the presentation of Jesus in the temple. The Feast of Candlemas encourages believers to acknowledge the presence of Christ and to consider obedience, humility, and divine light in their own lives through biblical context and symbolism.
