The Presentation of the Lord in the Temple officially ends our Christmas observances with the infant Christ being brought into the Temple on his 40th day and his encounter with the prophet Simeon. This feast is also known as Candlemas, from the words of St. Simeon that Christ is a "light to lighten the Gentiles". Today in some Orthodox churches, candles are blessed during Liturgy. The feast also falls half way between the winter and summer solstices, marking the turning toward spring. In spiritual terms, we have left Christmas and now turn our focus to Pascha.

Resources

• Presentation of Christ to the Temple from GOARCH
• "The Presentation of Christ" read by Dr. Chrissy Hart from Under the Grapevine
• The Groundhog Who Stole Candlemas from Father Bill's Blog (Ancient Faith)
• Presentation of Our Lord animation from Enjoy Orthodoxy (video)
• Festal Learning Basket from Charming the Birds from the Trees

Traditions

• 6 Ways to Celebrate the Presentation of Our Lord by Orthodox Motherhood
• 9 Ways to Celebrate the Presentation of Christ from Ascetic Life of Motherhood

Activities

• St. Simeon Scroll Project from Many Mercies
• Meeting of Our Lord Activities from Dr. Pat
• Churching a Baby from Orthodox Christian Education
• Presentation of Christ Activities from Orthodox Christian Education
• Making Candles for Candlemas from Waldorf Inspired Learning

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