The Interwoven Threads of February 2nd

                                                                                    St. Brigid 

 I was reminded yesterday of how many events and commemorations and birthdays are associated with February 2nd, the most publicized being Groundhog Day. The one I learned about while serving my first pastoral charge decades ago in outport Newfoundland is called Candlemas. In a number of Christian traditions people bring candles to the church to be blessed for use during the rest of the year. Christ is the Light of the World, so the candle-blessing connects the faithful with that light. Few of us actually use candles to illuminate our homes yet the symbolism it powerful

.I'm not sure why folk in my congregations, which were staunchly Methodist in background, and quite suspicious of the "Hanglicans" and "Catlicks" would be aware of this feast day. They were leery of candles on Christmas Eve for that reason!

February 1st /2nd is also Saint Brigid's Day, a Celtic tradition marking the beginning of Spring. Before Brigid was recognized as a Christian saint she was a powerful figure in Celtic pagan faith, and the festival to honour her was called Imbolc.In both traditions she is acknowledged as a resourceful woman, a leader. 

 Here in Canada we know Spring is still a way off, but isn't that what Groundhog Day is about? Imbolc and Brigid's Day fall roughly halfway between the Winter solstice and the Spring equinox, and we are aware that each day there is more light -- two minutes or so. It may be that Candlemas was yet another Christianized pagan celebration, welcomed into the fold, or stolen, depending on your perspective. 

Even though these different events may seem unrelated, there are threads of connection which can be woven together, if we're so inclined. 

Ruth, my wife, likes to have a candle burning as we eat our evening meal. I wonder if we should all endeavour to light a candle of hope, Christ's hope, through these uncertain times?