Candlemas

Monday marked a trifecta of celebratory events:  the day that marks the middle of winter, Groundhog's Day, and Candlemas. Candlemas is the 40th day after Jesus was born, and therefore, the ceremonial day that a boy child would have been brought to the temple–in this case, J-Money. This was a day of fulfilled promise and blessing. Mary and Joseph got an ear-full from Simeon. He proclaimed the good, the bad, and the ugly. Candlemas hones its focus on the good part. Simeon let them in on the secret that J-to-the-esus was to be "a light of revelation to the Gentiles..." This was the part of Simeon's blessing that we, as a family, focused on in discussing the ideals of Candlemas. That whole part about being the cause of the falling and rising of many, and a sign that will be spoken against... just seemed a bit weighty for wee ones.

In fact, in talking about why the Gentiles needed a "light," I was smacked in the face with an awful truth that we inadvertently have kept from our children... not everyone knows about Jesus, and not everyone believes in Jesus... God... the Holy Spirit... #alloftheabove. The boy about fell off his stool, aghast at such what-the-whatness. We had as lengthy a conversation as a 4- and 5-year-old allow, about how Jesus has asked us to follow in His footsteps and be like Him, and be a "light to all the nations" to make sure that everyone hears about Him.

So we centered out Candlemas feast about all things round... round like the sun which gives us LIGHT. In France, the Candlemas food of choice is crepes. And seeing as one of our guests was Uncle France Pants, we just had to follow suit. We had friends over, we lit excessive amounts of candles (following Jesus' footsteps is not without risks... I was simply setting the mood), and ate round items such as crepes and cookies. 'Twas lovely!

Why do we celebrate Candlemas?
Silas:  "To tell people who don't know about God about God."

TRUTHS = Magics