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In the deep midwinter, after Christmas festivals have faded and cold, long nights stretch between us and spring, my husband and I celebrate one of our favorite holidays - February 2, Candlemas.

The Christian festival of Candlemas traditionally commemorates Mary's ritual purification 40 days after giving birth to her son, when she and Joseph presented Jesus in the temple. The Feast of Purification, when a church's candle supply was blessed for the year ahead, came to be known as Candlemas. As early as the 5th century, candles were being lit as a tribute to Jesus Christ who promises, I am the Light of the World. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life (John 8:12). The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod officially observes The Presentation of the Lord on February 2 to emphasize the manifestation of Jesus.

As with many church holidays, some cross-pollination of religious and secular observances has occurred over time. Many cultures celebrate February 2 as Candlemas and as winter's midpoint, or the beginning glimmer of spring. On this date in America, the groundhog's weather prediction evolves from European religious lore, which invested some holy days, like Candlemas, with weather forecasting powers.

For our personal Candlemas celebration, my husband and I have adapted the French tradition of eating crepes - golden round reminders of the sun, and, for us, the Son of God. We turn lights low, light a fire in the fireplace, place shimmering candles all about the house, and spend an intimate evening in the company of friends or family.

The occasion could include any quiet, contemplative activity. Families may like to sing hymns, read favorite Scriptures or poems, or even write something original to share. Or they can just talk. Those gathered might generate their own table grace with both thanks and requests for God's light in their lives.

When we turn off electronic glare and noise, the peace that descends is stunning. We can see the glow of God's love reflected in the faces of our dear ones.

We savor this simple, quiet occasion for its serene reminder of Psalm 27:1a: The Lord is my light and my salvation. We can focus on the true Light of Life.

On the day Jesus was presented in the temple of Jerusalem, Simeon and Anna saw in the face of the infant Christ the manifestation of the Messiah for whom they had waited their long lives. Simeon praised God: [M]y eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel (Luke 2:30-32). Despite vision possibly dimmed by age, Simeon recognized the great value of God's redemption embodied in this ordinary baby. This recognition came not by sight, but by faith (Luke 2:26).

God's gift of His Son Jesus brightens the darkest corners of our lives, where our failures, fears, and faults reside. But we need not worry. Illuminated by faith, we are not lost. God guides us through this world of darkness on our way heavenward. When our nights of pain and sadness seem longest, when the chill of selfishness and indifference seems coldest, God shines His saving light to show us the worst of winter is over and gives us a glimpse of the eternal spring He has prepared for us. 2 Corinthians 4:6 describes His great love: For God who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. Through His Son in human flesh, crucified and raised to triumph, we know the splendor of God.

I am always comforted by the end-of-service blessing in God's own words, . . . the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you . . . (Numbers 6:24-26). Having worshipped in God's radiant presence through His Word, I am warmed by the Father's love, brightened by Christ's glory, and illuminated by the Spirit's grace. Candlemas is a celebration of God's presence and peace through the light of Christ. Let the light of your face shine upon us, O Lord (Psalm 4:6). Amen.

[Editor's Note: For more information about the celebration of Candlemas and The Presentation of the Lord, see https://www.lcms.org/pages/internal.asp?NavID=727 and Lutheran Cyclopedia, "Church Year: 13 (Candlemas)," CPH, 1954, p. 233.]

Marsha Maurer is an English professor, Christian author and speaker, and member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Augusta, Georgia. Her latest book, With Healing Wings: Prayers for Those Who Hurt and Those Who Care, voices the anguish of those suffering and of caregivers - and offers God's own comforting words.