Candlemas marks the point in the Christian year when we turn our gaze from the Crib towards the Cross. On Sunday we heard Simeon exclaim, “my eyes have seen your salvation.”  (Luke 2:30). On Monday February 2, drawing from the text of Bach’s Cantata for Candlemas, “Ich habe genug” [It...

Candlemas, to be celebrated Sunday February 1, marks the Presentation of Christ in the Temple. It’s one of the three days in the Christian year when material things are blessed in church. (The others are ashes on Ash Wednesday and palms on Palm Sunday). Consider bringing a candle from home...