Candlemas
Leader: Light and peace, in Jesus Christ our Lord
People: Thanks be to God
You are invited to light a candle in your home as the evening hymn “O Gracious Light” is sung.
Blue #14: O Gracious Light
Leader: Forty days ago we celebrated the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. Now we recall the day on which he was presented in the Temple, when he was offered to the Father and shown to his people. As a sign of his coming among us, his mother was purified, as we now come to him for cleansing. In their old age Simeon and Anna recognized him as their Lord, as we today sing of his glory. On this night we celebrate both the joy of his coming and his searching judgement, looking back to the day of his birth and forward to the coming days of his passion.
All: God our Father, Source of all light, today you revealed to the aged Simeon your light which enlightens the nations. Fill our hearts with the light of faith, that we who light these candles may walk in the path of goodness and come to the Light that shines forever, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Proclamation of the Word
First Reading: Malachi 3:1-4
Second Reading: Hebrews 2:14-18 The Gospel Acclamation Leader: We proclaim not ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord Leader: For the God who said ‘Let light shine out of darkness’ Leader: To give the light of the knowledge of the Glory of God The Holy Gospel: Luke 2:22-40 A Reflection for Candlemas Mtr. Catherine The Prayers of the People Leader: In peace let us pray to the Lord. Leader: By the coming of the holy child to the temple of the Holy God, Good Lord, deliver us. Leader: For the kingdoms of this world, that they may become the Kingdom of our Lord and Christ. We pray to you, O Lord. Leader: For the witness of your faithful people, that they may be lights in the world. We pray to you, O Lord. Leader: For those who walk in darkness and in the shadow of death, that they may come to your eternal light. We pray to you, O Lord. All: Father, Source of light and life, grant the prayers of your faithful people, and fill the world with your glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. The Lord’s Prayer The Song of Simeon (Nunc Dimittis) Leader: Let us go forth in the name of Christ! All: Thanks be to God.
All: And ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.
All: Has caused his light to shine within us.
All: In the face of Jesus Christ.
By the birth in time of the timeless Son of God, Good Lord, deliver us.
All: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
