Candlemas

In the beginning God created light. He did not create the darkness, for the darkness is the absence of light. So also, he did not create sin and wickedness, which are the opposite of his goodness. His goodness is this, then, that he called light into  the darkness, and brought salvation to a fallen world. He became incarnate and redeemed the world without its preparation or help. And he brought faith into our hearts alone by his word and grace, without our reason or strength. Thus on Candlemas we are reminded of his goodness and light by  the lighting of our candles, which sacrifice themselves to give off light. So much we owe him for this, our very lives. So let us take Simeon's example to heart, and rejoice in  the Consolation of Israel, and live just and devout lives dedicated to him. Let us learn contentment that, having cradled in our reception of him the very one who cradles all things and declare with Simeon that now we can even depart this life in peace. Sermon for Candlemas.