#February 2: the Feast of the Presentation of Christ in the Temple##

As one of the “cross-quarter days” - half-way between the winter solstice and the vernal equinox -warmer climes consider this the first day of spring. The first signs of lengthening days are celebrated by a candlelight service on the eve, call “Candlemas”. Decorate your door (or several interior doors) with symbols of doves and candles. Simple construction paper cut-outs, neatly glued together from different colours and replaced frequently, can be a subtle but persistent reminder of the sacred shape to our lives. If you can’t attend a Candlemas service, just this once pray together as a family. Do it by candlelight, perhaps after watching the sun set. Or stage a family candle-light procession around the garden, inside and up to bed. Use the Collect on page 266