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Pastoral Letter from Revd John Gordon February 2025

Dear Friends,
On Sunday the 2nd February 2025 we celebrate The Presentation of Christ in
the Temple. Commonly known as Candlemas, this celebration concludes the
season of Epiphany in the Church’s liturgical calendar.
The Presentation of Christ in the Temple, described in Luke 2:22-40, is a
profound moment in the story of salvation. This event, rooted in Jewish
custom, marks the first time Jesus, as an infant, is formally brought into the
religious life of Israel. It is filled with theological depth, pointing to themes of
obedience, revelation, and redemption.
Mary and Joseph’s actions in this account exemplify their faithfulness to God’s
law. According to Mosaic Law (Leviticus 12:6-8), every firstborn male was to be
consecrated to the Lord, and a sacrifice was to be offered. Mary and Joseph,
though likely of modest means as evidenced by their offering of two birds, fulfil
this obligation with humility and devotion.
Their obedience is a reminder that God honours those who walk faithfully in
God’s commandments, even in seemingly mundane or routine matters.
Through their actions, Mary and Joseph show us that holiness is often found in
the ordinary acts of life. For modern Christians, this calls us to live out our faith
not just in grand gestures, but in daily acts of trust and surrender to God’s will.
The central figures in this narrative, aside from Jesus and his parents, are
Simeon and Anna. Simeon is described as righteous and devout, waiting for the
“consolation of Israel,” and Anna as a prophetess who worshiped in the
Temple day and night. Their presence underscores the importance of spiritual
vigilance and expectation .
Simeon’s encounter with the Christ child is one of the most poignant moments
in Scripture. The Holy Spirit had promised him that he would not see death
before seeing the Messiah. When he holds Jesus in his arms, his
prayer—known as the Nunc Dimittis—overflows with joy and hope:
"Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your
word; for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the
presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to
your people Israel." (Luke 2:29-32, ESV)
Simeon recognises Jesus as the fulfilment of God’s promises, not just to Israel
but to the entire world. His words affirm the universal nature of Christ’s
mission, bridging the divide between Jew and Gentile.

Anna’s role further enriches the scene. A widow who devoted herself entirely
to worship and prayer, Anna symbolises the faithful remnant of Israel awaiting
redemption. Her testimony to others about Jesus reinforces the communal
dimension of God’s salvation plan. Through Simeon and Anna, we see the
beauty of lives spent in faithful expectation and the joy that comes from
recognising God’s work when it is revealed.
Amid the joy of the presentation, there is also a note of sorrow. Simeon
prophesies to Mary:
“Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for
a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so
that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.” (Luke 2:34-35)
These words point forward to the suffering and rejection Jesus would endure.
They also foreshadow the deep pain Mary would experience as she witnesses
her son’s crucifixion. The juxtaposition of joy and sorrow reminds us that the
path of redemption is costly. Salvation is a gift, but it comes through sacrifice.
The Presentation of Christ in the Temple invites Christians to reflect on several
key truths. First, it reminds us of the importance of obedience to God’s word.
Like Mary and Joseph, we are called to offer our lives in service to him, trusting
that even small acts of faithfulness have eternal significance.
Second, it challenges us to live with the same expectancy as Simeon and Anna,
keeping our hearts attuned to God’s presence and promises. In a world filled
with distractions, their example encourages us to seek God persistently and
proclaim His work boldly.
Finally, this moment in Jesus’ life points us to the cross, where the promise of
salvation is fulfilled. As we reflect on the Presentation, we are reminded that
the light of Christ shines most brightly in the midst of sacrifice, offering hope
and redemption to a world in need.
In the Presentation, we see the faithfulness of God, who fulfils His promises,
and the faithfulness of his people, who respond in worship and trust. May this
inspire us to live with the same devotion, awaiting the day when we, too,
behold the fullness of His glory.
Every blessing to you all as we sojourn together in 2025.
John Gordon.

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