Candlemas today where we remember Jesus being presented at the temple on the 40th day of his birth, and also the time when we remember the purification of Mary after giving birth.

At Evensong today this was marked by a candlelit procession to the crib which was censed with myrrh. The lights in the crib were turned off and the candles blown out as we turned away from the crib to look at the cross. It was quite a poignant moment as we reminded ourselves of where the journey is now going as travel towards Easter.

I have enjoyed today, but I still wonder what it is all about as it does not fit with my pioneering remit, although today does leave me with a question. At Evensong we also say the Nunc Dimittis, or rather I listen to the choir as they sing it:

Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace : according to thy word.
For mine eyes have seen : thy salvation,
Which thou hast prepared : before the face of all people;
To be a light to lighten the Gentiles : and to be the glory of thy people Israel.

As I listened to those familiar words it suddenly dawned on me that we were remembering the first time these words were said. That led me to wonder what I would say. If I was there, when the Christ infant was presented in the temple, what would I have said? How would I have felt? It’s actually too amazing to even think of!