When candles are lighted on Candlemas Day
the dark is behind us, and spring's on the way.
Refrain:
A glory dawns in every dark place,
the light of Christ, the fullness of grace.
The kings have departed, the shepherds have gone,
the child and his parents are left on their own. Refrain
They go to the temple, obeying the law,
and offer two pigeons, the gift of the poor. Refrain
But Anna and Simeon recognize there
the Christ-child who came at the turn of the year. Refrain
The old who have suffered and waited so long
see hope for the world as they welcome the young. Refrain
They gaze at God's wonderful answer to prayer,
the joy of the Jews and the Gentiles' desire. Refrain
The light is increasing and spring's in the air.
Look back with thanksgiving! Look forward with awe! Refrain
They see before Mary a heart-piercing grief,
but trust is complete at the end of their life. Refrain
For Mary will follow, with tears in her eyes,
her Savior and Son to the foot of the cross. Refrain
Great Spirit of Yahweh, with courage inspire
your everyday saints who face up to despair. Refrain
They pass through temptation, through failure, through death.
When darkness descends, they plod onward in faith. Refrain
Like Anna, like Simeon, may they have trust,
the eyes to see Jesus, and peace at the last. Refrain
The candles invite us to praise and to pray
when Christmas greets Easter on Candlemas Day. Refrain