On Candlemas Day

Nunc Dimittis
Luke 2:29-32

Lord, now you let your servant go in peace; your word has been fulfilled:

my own eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared in the sight of every people:

a light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people, Israel.

Today represents the very last gasp of the Christmas season, as a season of the Incarnation. Mary has reached the end of her forty days of seclusion following the birth of Jesus, and the Holy family travel to Jerusalem to Present Jesus in the Temple. Sacrifice is made in honor of Jesus, the first born. Simeon and Anna make their prophetic statements. From this day, Jesus begins the long journey which will bring him back to Jerusalem and the fulfillment of the work of salvation.

Lent is just around the corner.