Candlemas Breakfast 31.01.26

Candlemas is the time in the church calendar when we move away from Christmas and start moving towards Lent and then Easter. We remember the bible story of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple (Luke 2: 22-38) when new parents Mary and Joseph brought the baby Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem and met Simeon and Anna.

Perhaps this scene was like the ultimate all-age service. Multiple generations, coming together in worship, each with different ages, different experiences, and at different points in their faith. But each of them with something important to offer, whether that’s years of experience, wisdom and encouragement, or a fresh perspective on faith and miraculous testimonies.

At St Frideswide’s, we celebrated Candlemas by living out that example of coming together through a delicious breakfast and a fun morning of conversation and games. There was such a lovely atmosphere as we shared our time and our different views on faith with each other.

During the morning, we took a moment to reflect on how our different ages and experiences mean we have a rich variety of perspectives to share. For example, what does it mean to each of us when we call Jesus “the Light of the World”?

Is it like the light of a torch, which helps us see the way in the dark, as Jesus guides us in the way we live and towards what God wants for us?

Is it like the light of a birthday candle, creating an atmosphere of joy and bringing people together in celebration, as Jesus brings a deep joy that comes from knowing we are always loved by him?

Or is it like a night light bringing reassurance on a dark night, as we go to sleep, just like Jesus can be a comfort or a reassurance when things are tough?

We thought about how when we listen to each other’s experiences, we all can share in the hope of the Light of the World, and we can spread that light out to others and to each other.

Candlemas reminds us of the light as we move from winter to spring, and from Christmas to Easter. Let’s keep reminding each other of the light that is there for all of us.

Rebekah Taylor