A Trio of Joyous Moments

For mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people.

A light, to enlighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people, Israel

I love that the darkest, coldest time of year for us is also the time we celebrate the first coming of the Light!  Bundled up against the cold, we packed up our basket of candles and gathered to celebrate the moment when old and new first met, when Simeon after so many years of waiting at last held the promised Messiah in his arms and prayed those beautiful words we sing at each Vespers service.

As we celebrated the Divine Liturgy, how exciting it was as well to see the Triodion laying at the foot of the icon of Christ, the gentle reminder that our journey has already begun once again, that we are in preparation for the marathon.  Even as we complete the celebration of His birth, the church already strains forward to the moment when the Light destroys all darkness.    

Our candles are home, ready to offer light in the dark days and evenings, to remind us of the one true Light.

And blessed moment to complete this day, Simeon held the Light in his arms today, and I held my new goddaughter in my arms.  What a beautiful day to enter into the world little one, I look forward to watching you grow!