CHRIST CHURCH PADGATE
RECTOR'S MESSAGE
CHRIST CHURCH RECTORY
February 2012
From the Rector
Dear Friends
Again we are in this bleak time of the year when the days are still short, the nights long and we are recovering from the after-effects of the Christmas festivities. It is recognised that this is a difficult time for many. Financial constraints and worries dictate how many feel and concerns for employment especially at this time make things worse.
In the life of the Church we are in the season that just precedes Lent. On the 2 February we celebrate our Patronal festival. It is the Feast of the Presentation, usually named Candlemas. Traditionally a Patronal festival is a time to give thanks for the patron of the Church that it is dedicated. Here at Christ Church it is therefore appropriate that we give special thanks for the person of Christ at this time. For the Feast of the Presentation sums up, in many ways, the direction and purpose of Jesus’ ministry.
Jesus is presented in the temple by Mary and Joseph. This was a Jewish tradition for every first born male. The child Jesus is immediately recognised as being very special by Simeon and Anna, two devout people in attendance.
They recognise that Jesus is to be the light of the world. His future ministry and purpose will transform the world and its relationship with its creator.
Traditionally the Feast has been called Candlemas. During the service Candles are distributed, lit and blessed as a symbol of Jesus the light.
As we face this gloomy time of the year it is good to remind ourselves that the gloom can be dispersed by turning to the light that Jesus brings. A light that shows the way through the darkness of despair and misery that we often inflict on ourselves.
His light can bring peace and stability and relief to our broken world and restore to it the love that God wishes as shown in the light of the Christ child presented in the Temple all those years ago.
With my best wishes and prayers
Stephen Attwater
Rector
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