Sunday’s Blessing – 02/02/2025
February was named for a Christian feast (Candlemas) which occurs during the month; specifically, today, February 2. It is set aside as a time of “expiation” or purification. It is a celebration of Jesus, when Joseph and Mary brought Him to the temple to be dedicated (circumcised) in order to follow the Law.
February is also considered the last month of Winter, since Spring begins in March. February 2 marks (approximately) the middle of winter; ironically, when the earth is closest to the sun.
This time of purification (February) precedes resurrection (Spring). I liken it to the process Paul encouraged before celebrating the Lord’s Table (communion) which is described in 1 Corithians 11. “Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself.” (vs. 28-29 ESV) I do not believe Paul is saying we will be “cursed” if we partake of the Lord’s Supper with sin in our life, as many teach.
The focus of Paul’s words speak to THE Body, the Church of Jesus. “Discerning the body” speaks to understanding our place in the Kingdom of God. In taking the wine and bread we recognize that Jesus paid for our redemption, reconciling us back to the Father. Just as Jesus was submitted for the rite of circumcision (representing the removal of the flesh from the heart), we in like fashion submit ourselves to the New Testament version of circumcision, which is allowing the Holy Spirit to baptize us into the Body of Christ (salvation).
This February, let us be mindful of the purification completed in us when God made us righteousness through the blood of Christ, washing us clean, making us pure – justified. Then when Spring arrives, we can embrace the new beginning of resurrection, once again walking with the Father as we live out our purpose empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Now, for today’s blessing:
May you receive the full measure of grace provided by the sacrifice of our Savior
So that you can approach the Father without shame or fear
Because you have been made a son or daughter in the Kingdom of God
Which also makes you a king and a priest of the Most High God
May you have eyes to see the position from which you now live
As a joint-heir with Jesus, seated at the right hand of the Father
Empowered by the Holy Spirit sent by Messiah after He ascended
Now an ambassador from Another Kingdom sent to your world
On this Candlemas, may you prepare your heart for the coming resurrection
Both: the one when Messiah returns, but also the one which comes each morning
Living each day as the most important one you have ever lived
Thankful for the grace and mercy given with each sunrise, because the Son has risen
