Candlemas

"Candlemas" is a word we Episcopalians use for the liturgy to remember Christ's Presentation in the temple, which occurred 40 days after his birth, and where Simeon encountered the Christ Child.  Candles are an integral part to this service, serving as a powerful symbol of Christ bringing light to an otherwise dark world, and which helps us to remember how we are called to carry that light within us as individuals and as a community of Christians.

Our Candlemas service was more beautiful than ever this year with many candles, a glorious liturgy and wonderful music. 

Set-up for Candlemas

I wonder how many can spot the not-so-deliberate mistake in the above photograph.  It did not spoil our worship, but this verger is peeved, to say the least.  With probably the best Altar Guild in North America, it is still up the verger (however much he or she has to do) to spot and correct mistakes early.

Last year's palm fronds have been burned in readiness for Ash Wednesday and the "Holy Pretzel" to look forward to, as well as planning for Holy Week, keeps me in a state of readiness that is the verger's calling.