Christmas is officially over when next Tuesday we mark the Christian holiday of Candlemas, which is celebrated 40 days after December 25th and at the midpoint between the winter solstice and spring equinox. Candlemas is a festival associated with many different customs. One of the most interesting took place in Scotland.In the olden days, Candlemas was the day when children brought candles into school so that classrooms could have light on dull days. As time went on, gas lighting took over from candlelight. The children took money to the teacher, who was supposed to spend it on sweets and cakes for the children. The boy or girl taking in the most money was declared Candlemas King or Queen and they ‘ruled’ for 6 weeks. They had the power to make one whole afternoon each week a playtime and they could also let anyone they wished off punishment. In France, this holiday is called ‘La Chandeleur’ and reminds people that it’s traditionally the day of the year when all the candles to be used in the coming year are brought into church for a blessing to be said over them. It’s also, basically, the day when the French eat a lot of crepes! If you can hold a coin in your right hand while flipping a crepe with your left, without dropping it on the floor, you’ll be prosperous in the year to come! And, of course, in America, the day is often spent in celebration of Groundhog Day when people spend the day huddled in the cold waiting for a groundhog to emerge from his burrow! If he emerges on Feb 2nd and sees his shadow then winter will last another six weeks; if he can’t see his shadow then Spring is just around the corner. However, the most important Candlemas custom is the one we have ingrained in our hearts; that is to remember that Jesus came with his message that he is with us, always ready to help and comfort us – a guiding light in the darkness. Mary and Joseph’s fulfilment of the requirement to present Jesus at the temple reminds us that doing our duty and being faithful to what tradition requires of us is a vital aspect of the Christian faith and life. The encounter of Simeon and Anna with the Christ child reminds us of the importance of faithfulness and of being prepared to wait patiently. The candle reminds us that we are to bear Christ’s light – he is the Light of the World and whoever follows him will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life. Prayer Christ, who brought light to the world Shine your light in our darkness. Shine your light in situations of poverty. Shine your light in situations of conflict. Shine your light in situations of spiritual darkness. We thank you Father, for the light and the salvation brought through Christ. Help us to shine our own lights now and throughout our lives. Amen

Friday 29th January 11am Mothers’ Union Wave of Prayer via Zoom (open to all) <https://zoom.us/j/91878530225> Sunday 31st January 4pm. Deanery Service of Light <https://lockingdeanery.org/sol...> N.B. Public worship is currently suspended throughout the benefice.