The Presentation in the Temple When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, they took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord,” and to offer the sacrifice of “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons,” in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord. Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Messiah of the Lord. He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying: “Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.” The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted (and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem. - Luke 2, 22-38
CANDLEMAS by John Henry Newman 1849 The Angel-lights of Christmas morn, Which shot across the sky, Away they pass at Candlemas, They sparkle and they die. Comfort of earth is brief at best, Although it be divine; Like funeral lights for Christmas gone, Old Simeon’s tapers shine. And then for eight long weeks and more, We wait in twilight grey, Till the high candle sheds a beam On Holy Saturday. We wait along the penance-tide Of solemn fast and prayer; While song is hush’d, and lights grow dim In the sin-laden air. And while the sword in Mary’s soul Is driven home, we hide In our own hearts, and count the wounds Of passion and of pride. And still, though Candlemas be spent And Alleluias o’er, Mary is music in our need, And Jesus light in store.