Candlemas

 Luke 2:34-35

Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, “This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

That moment, sitting alone, cradling a newborn 

Overcome with love and fear

The realisation that this fragile life

rests on you.

When there’s no telling what lies ahead

or what might be asked of us 

This season of Candlemas

when we move on

from Christmas towards Easter,

The fragile, flickering light

is placed in our hands

We know it will not be extinguished 

But can we nurture and sustain?

Might we see the light flourish,

the flickering become stronger

the light more steady?

Even when it seems that all is lost

will we harbour a persistent hope

that will not be overcome

by the forces of darkness?

May we cradle the light of Christ

like a newborn

Holding close

and letting go

Releasing love and light and hope

for all the children of the world.