Snowdrops

Candlemas Bells

Snowdrops are truly exquisite little flowers. Have you ever looked at one closely?

Always one for ignoring superstition, I like to pick a few snowdrops, put them in a tiny vase and watch them open their petals. Like little umbrellas they spring open to reveal the whole flower with its pretty green trim.

I love flowers. Growing them, picking them, arranging them, drawing them, photographing them, admiring them. When I was very young one of my favourite books was my book of flower fairies. Beautiful drawings with poems for each flower, and I still love them to this day!

The Snowdrop Fairy:

Deep sleeps the winter,
Cold, wet, and grey;
Surely all the world is dead;
Spring is far away.
Wait! the world shall waken;
It is not dead, for lo,
The Fair Maids of February
Stand in the snow!

On a wintery day it is such a joy to see bunches of little snowdrops popping up through the dead leaves, as a reminder that spring is coming and life is stirring. The ‘Fair Maids of February’ have another name too: Candlemas Bells.

Today, the 2nd of February, is Candlemas. It marks 40 days after Christmas, and the presentation of Jesus in the temple. In obedience to Jewish custom, the holy family went to the temple for the purification of Mary and the dedication of Jesus as the firstborn son. An elderly man called Simeon, who was righteous and devout, was moved by the Holy Spirit to go to the temple. He took the baby Jesus in his arms and praised God saying:

Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For mine 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: 29-32.

Simeon’s song, known as the Nunc Dimittis, revealed who this child was and why he had been born. The revelation of God’s salvation; a light for God’s people and the Gentiles too; Jesus, Light of the World. This old man Simeon had waited his entire life for the Messiah, and here he was lying in his arms!

At Candlemas we light candles to remind us of this great truth: that Jesus is the Light of the World. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness cannot overcome it. The light wins; goodness wins; truth wins; Jesus wins. We need to remember this when life is tough and when it appears that evil prevails.

Snowdrops are in bloom at Candlemas, in purest white and reminding us of Jesus the Light of the World. Like little bells to announce that the Saviour is here, and like little lanterns in the darkest winter days to remind us that the light is coming and spring is on its way. So light a candle today and join with me in this Candlemas prayer:

God our Father, whose Son was revealed to Simeon as the light of the nations, and the glory of Israel, let this candle be to us a sign of his light and presence, that, guided by the Holy Spirit, we may live by the light of faith until we come to the light of glory.

Let the flame of your love never be quenched in our hearts, O Lord. Waking or sleeping, living, or dying, let us delight in your presence. Let the flame of your love brighten our souls and illumine our path and let the majesty of your glory be our joy, our life, and our strength now and for ever. Amen