The Presentation of Christ
The consecration as bishop of Hilary of Poitiers
This is the week in which, each year, I do two things: First, I finish putting away my Christmas decorations, and then I go ahead and buy Easter eggs for my Children.
Most of the decorations (including the tree) came down on Epiphany, but the Crib has remained up - and as for the Easter eggs, I buy them online, from the Meaningful Chocolate Company. They are called The Real Easter Eggs, and they come with a little booklet that tells the story of the first Easter.
It might seem a bit late in the year still to have Christmas decorations up - and yet it might also feel too early in the year to be thinking about Easter - but, to me it all makes perfect sense. Today, 2nd of February is the Feast of the Presentation of Christ - sometimes called Candlemas. This day marks a hinge point point in the Christian year. It is the moment that we turn away from the festivities of Christmas and turn towards the cross of Christ.
This goes toward explaining why my children's Nativity Set is still up on the mantelpiece, as the Presentation of Christ celebrates exactly that: Jesus being presented in the temple as a very young baby. 40 days on from his birth and 33 days from his circumcision (if you count inclusively). Jesus went through these Jewish rituals as the Jewish son of Jewish parents in obedience to the Jewish Law - and yet for us gentile Christians they are full of symbolic significance, that point us to the cross.
There are a number of fascinating symmetries to this occasion, to note just three:
33 days from his Circumcision he was presented by Mary to God in the temple; - 33 years later he would present himself, with Mary watching on, to God upon the cross.
He is the first born of Mary who redeems him with the blood of sacrifice in the temple. - He is the first and only Son of God who redeems us with the sacrifice of his own blood.
Jesus was presented in the Temple 40 days after his birth; - Jesus ascended to heaven 40 days after his resurrection.
Finally, as I wait for my Easter eggs, and as I put the crib and Nativity Set away, I will pause to consider how He who was held in his mother's arms as she presented him as a baby, will be so held again after his crucifixion.
Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: ‘This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.’ Luke 2:34-35
Updates
St Matthew’s Passion: a service of Bach music, hymns, and readings, will be led by the Ministry Area Choir on Good Friday. Rehearsals every Wednesday evening. Please see Jo Blackwell, Richard Spencer, or Tony Harris for more.
24 Hours of Prayer will return this year, The provisional date is the 13th-14th June 2026. Hilary Markwell is helping to take a lead along with myself and Jess. We are hosting at planning meeting at St. Illtyd’s on 23rd Marchat7pm and that is open to anyone who would like to be involved, whether you were involved or not last year - so please do pass on the message.
Central@4 returns, running every Sunday - see you 18th January
