Feast of the Presentation of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Temple

The Feast of the Presentation of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Temple is an annual remembrance of the dedication of Jesus' family to the requirements of the law, their faithfulness and, in return, God's faithfulness to God's people. Among the people waiting and hoping for the consolation of Israel there were 2 who are mentioned by name in Luke 2: Simeon and Anna. The feast also goes by the name Candlemas as a reminder of Simeon's epiphany that Jesus Christ is "a light for revelation to the Gentiles." It is the longest celebrated distinctly Christian holiday. I hope this post will help you think about that sacred moment together with your children.

Print the coloring page and collect your supplies. Gather together and discuss what we have come to know about Jesus as a baby.

Where was he born? Who were some of the visitors that he had?

February 2nd is a day that the whole church remembers another moment from when Jesus was very small. 40 days after he had been circumcised and given the name Jesus,  his parents took him to the temple in Jerusalem, just like everyone else who followed the law that God had given His people would have done. Let's read about what happened on that day!

Read the passage: Luke 2:21-33, 36-39 with your children, or allow them to read the passage. Invite your child to interact with the text of Holy Scripture:

What did you hear?

Use the the coloring paper while you meditate on and ponder the text. The people can be cut out and added to empty toilet paper tubes or popsicle sticks so that they can be used to act out the story. You could also just draw a simple temple front and lay the figures flat on the paper to act out the story.

Wonder together at some of the words and ideas in this text:

How did Simeon know that this was the day to visit the temple? How did he know that this was the long awaited Christ? Do you know what the word "consolation" means? It is a sort of comforting peace. How or why does Simeon say that he can "depart" now?

How did Jesus' parents feel? (The text says "amazed") What does this mean? What kind of amazement?

How did Anna know? What do you think Anna had been praying about for so many years? Not just during the day but at night? What did Anna do next?

Can we look, like Simeon, for God's peace? How can we follow Anna's example? What will we pray for?

Just as the Spirit led Simeon, may the Spirit lead you,

Leah Wall

Lead Catechist