A CANDLEMAS BLESSING
I wish you, at this season,
Peace as deep as a winter night
And joy as brave as a candle –
One candle in the deepest dark,
From which innumerable candles
Can be lit to brighten our world.
(Br. David Stendl-Rast)
(snowdrops also called Candlemas bells)
I am sitting here in my living room watching the snow fall. It is quite lovely but I am growing impatient for spring. Today seems a good day to remember the Celtic celebration of Imbolc, observed in early February. Imbolc means "in the belly" recognizing the stirring within the bodies of pregnant ewes, and in the earth, bulbs and seeds preparing to sprout. Even though most of the world may still seem clutched by winter, something new is being readied for birth. Perhaps you have already begun to notice new stirrings of life? Recently, I have noticed flocks of robins, slowly returning birdsong, melting ice (and mud), and longer-lingering evening sunlight.
Today while reading the blessing above, I was moved by the line "joy as brave as a candle... in the deepest dark." These do seem like dark times for many, and joy can feel courageous at times. Joy can be courageous when despair seems the more "reasonable" response. In her song, "Lean In Toward the Light", Carrie Newcomer encourages us to do what we can to "shift the balance" to hope and light - for ourselves and the world.
February 2nd was also the Feast of the Presentation in the Temple of Jesus, when Simeon lifts up the long-awaited baby Jesus in his arms, and calls him the "light for revelation that has come into the world." Some churches mark this day with a Candle Mass (Candlemas) when the priests, in celebration of the returning light, bless the beeswax candles to be used for the year. Parishioners can bring in their household candles to be blessed as well.
Prayer Practice: Set aside some quiet time to light a candle, giving thanks for the lengthening light, and the promise of new life to come (even if it still remains hidden from view). *
You may wish to use the following prayer for lighting candles taken from the book, "The Mood of Christmas and Other Celebrations" by Howard Thurman:
I will light candles:
Candles of joy, despite all sadness,
Candles of hope, where despair keeps watch,
Candles of courage, for fears ever present,
Candles of peace, for tempest-tossed days,
Candles of grace, to ease heavy burdens,
Candles of love, to inspire all our living,
Candles to burn the year long.
To ponder:
1) What "stirs in your belly" today? Where do you desire or need new birth? How might it be forming already, still hidden in the darkness?"
2) What brings you light and joy in your everyday life?
3) What practices might help you "lean in towards the light" -- for yourself and the world?
4) In the Thurman prayer for lighting candles, which candle do you need most to light? -- joy, hope, courage, peace, grace, love?
We close with a Celtic blessing video. Enjoy! Be blessed!!
Deep peace of the running wave to you
Deep peace of the flowing air to you
Deep peace of the quiet earth to you
Amen Amen, Amen, Amen, Amen.
Deep peace of the shining stars to you
Deep peace of the gentle night to you
Moon and stars pour their healing light on you
Amen Amen, Amen, Amen,
Amen. Amen, Amen, Amen, Amen.
Deep peace of Christ,
The light of the world to you
Deep peace of Christ to you.
Deep peace of Christ,
The light of the world to you
Amen Amen, Amen, Amen,
Amen Amen, Amen, Amen, Amen.
*I highly recommend these small beeswax candles which burn for about 20 minutes with a very lovely light. They are perfect for centering prayer or just sitting with God in the silence. I use them almost every day.
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