What is Candlemas?

Meaning and Overview

Candlemas, traditionally celebrated on February 2, commemorates the event described in the Gospel of Luke when the infant Jesus was presented at the Temple in Jerusalem by Mary and Joseph. This observance historically also aligns with Mary’s purification according to Mosaic Law (cf. Leviticus 12). Over centuries, Christians have attached significance to Candlemas as a celebration of Christ as the Light of the world, which is symbolized by the blessing and carrying of candles. Though not explicitly mandated as a biblical feast day, it is rooted in a key moment from Scripture that highlights the faithfulness of Mary and Joseph and the prophetic recognition of Jesus as the Messiah.

Biblical Foundation

Luke’s account forms the core biblical basis for Candlemas:

• “And when the days of their purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord… and to offer the sacrifice specified in the law of the Lord: ‘a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.’” (Luke 2:22–24)

In the Old Testament, the Law specified that a new mother would observe a period of purification and then bring an offering to the Temple (Leviticus 12:1–8). Mary and Joseph, obeying these regulations, traveled from Bethlehem to Jerusalem for this rite when Jesus was around forty days old.

Luke 2 also chronicles how Simeon, a devout man inspired by the Holy Spirit, recognized this infant as the promised Messiah (Luke 2:25–35) and spoke prophetically of how Jesus would be “a light for revelation to the Gentiles” (Luke 2:32). This mention of light connects to the later Christian practice of blessing candles on Candlemas, reflecting that Jesus is the Light who illuminates a dark world.

Name and Historical Observance

The English name “Candlemas” emerges from the practice of blessing and distributing candles on this day. Early Christian communities from as far back as the 4th century AD are recorded celebrating a midwinter festival known by names such as the “Feast of the Presentation,” the “Feast of the Purification,” or—especially in Eastern Christian traditions—“The Meeting of the Lord.”

The date, February 2, falls exactly forty days after December 25, traditionally observed as the date of Christ’s birth. Some early Church fathers, such as Hippolytus of Rome (d. 235 AD), reference feasts connected to celebrations of the Incarnation. Egeria’s diary (late 4th century) also attests that Jerusalem Christians observed a festival commemorating Jesus’ presentation. These historical references coincide with the biblical understanding of a forty-day purification period for Mary and underscore the devotion of early believers to mark key events in the life of Christ.

Significance in Christian Tradition

1. Christ as the Light: Candlemas emphasizes Jesus as the fulfillment of Simeon’s prophecy that He would be “a light for revelation” (Luke 2:32). By blessing and carrying candles, Christians have traditionally recognized Jesus as the one who dispels spiritual darkness.

2. Fulfillment of the Law: Mary and Joseph’s obedience in presenting Jesus highlights the continuity between the Old Testament law and the birth of the Messiah. This theme resonates throughout Scripture, underscoring Jesus as the final and perfect fulfillment of all that was written (cf. Matthew 5:17–18).

3. Celebration of Prophecy: Simeon and Anna (Luke 2:36–38) both testify to Jesus’ identity, reminding believers that prophecy in Scripture is trustworthy. This ties into the broader reliability of biblical manuscripts, of which extensive textual evidence shows remarkable consistency across time.

Rituals and Customs

• Blessing of Candles: Traditionally, churches bless candles on February 2, distributing them to congregants. The practice underscores the Light of Christ shining into the darkness (cf. John 8:12).

• Processions and Liturgies: Various Christian traditions hold a special Candlemas service or liturgy, sometimes extinguishing all other lights except for the central Christ candle. Worshipers hold their own candles to symbolize personal participation in spreading the light.

• Focus on Christ’s Childhood: In some churches, Candlemas is the final event in the liturgical cycle that centers on the Incarnation (beginning with Advent), thus concluding reflections on Jesus’ earliest days and turning hearts toward the events of His ministry, leading up to His atoning work.

Archaeological and Manuscript Evidence

The biblical account in Luke situates Jesus in the Temple at Jerusalem, an archeologically verified site. Excavations around the Temple Mount have revealed first-century structures consistent with the biblical setting. Jewish rituals of purification mentioned in the Gospel align with documented customs of the period, particularly in the writings of the first-century historian Josephus.

The reliability of Luke’s text is further supported by a vast manuscript tradition. Early papyri, such as P^75 (ca. late 2nd to early 3rd century), preserve large portions of Luke’s Gospel, and these texts show remarkable harmony with later manuscripts. This manuscript consistency buttresses the faith community’s confidence that the recorded event of the Presentation is successive to eyewitness testimony and not a later invention.

Spiritual Lessons and Applications

1. Obedience to God’s Word: Observing Candlemas can remind believers of Mary and Joseph’s humble submission to divine instruction. In the same way, faithfulness to God’s Word fosters growth and blessing in a believer’s life.

2. Recognizing Christ’s Identity: Simeon and Anna recognized the Messiah through the guidance of the Spirit. In the present day, believers rely on the clear testimony of Scripture and the Holy Spirit to behold Christ for who He truly is.

3. Shining as Lights: Candlemas imagery of light encourages Christians to reflect the light of Christ in the world (cf. Matthew 5:14–16). Just as candles brighten a dark place, believers are charged to illuminate society with truth, compassion, and godly character.

Influence Through Church History

By the 6th century, Candlemas festivities spread widely across the Roman Empire. In medieval Europe, it was customary to look ahead to the Annunciation and Easter after Candlemas, marking the shift from celebrating Christ’s nativity to anticipating His redemptive work. Reformers retained or adapted Candlemas customs in various ways, emphasizing its biblical roots while often discarding extrabiblical embellishments.

In Eastern Orthodox communities, the celebration is known as the “Meeting of the Lord,” referencing the meeting of Jesus with Simeon and Anna. The event’s universal acceptance across Christian traditions testifies to its grounding in the scriptural narrative.

Modern Observances

Many churches—Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, and some other Protestant denominations—continue to celebrate Candlemas on February 2 (or near that date). The regalia can vary, though often accompanied by blessings of candles and special prayers that underscore God’s salvation plan extending into the whole world.

Even in contexts where Candlemas is not emphasized, believers may still benefit from reflecting on the biblical truths conveyed by Luke’s narrative. In personal devotion, families or households sometimes light a candle and recite Luke 2:22–38 together.

Practical Takeaways

• Time of Reflection: Candlemas can serve as a pause to meditate on the humility of Mary and Joseph—and the extraordinary identity of their child.

• Communal Worship: Congregational candlelight gatherings remind believers that they share in God’s light together.

• Anticipation of Easter: As the liturgical calendar soon moves toward Lent and Easter, this feast can draw hearts and minds toward Christ’s mission: redemption through His death and resurrection.

Summary

Candlemas stands as a moment in Christian worship that commemorates Jesus’ Presentation in the Temple and Mary’s ceremonial purification. Rooted in Luke’s Gospel (2:22–38), this day has been observed for centuries to symbolize Christ as the Light of the world. Archaeological finds validating the historic Temple site, alongside the strong manuscript tradition of Luke’s Gospel, lend external support to this scriptural account.

In all its expressions, Candlemas emphasizes the continuity between Old Testament promises and Christ’s fulfillment of them. It directs believers to praise God for the gift of salvation brought by Jesus, proclaimed by Simeon as “a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to Your people Israel” (Luke 2:32). Above all, it offers an opportunity to renew one’s devotion to God, recognizing that Scripture’s testimony about Jesus is truly reliable and worthy of trust—pointing each heart to glorify God, the Creator and Redeemer of all.