Feb. 2, A Hymn for Candlemas
(Feast Day of The Presentation of Christ in the Temple, commonly called "The Purification of Saint Mary the Virgin")

Hail to the Lord who comes, comes to his temple gate;
Not with his angel host, not in his kingly state;
No shouts proclaim him nigh, no crowds his coming wait;
But, borne upon the throne of Mary's gentle breast,
Watched by her duteous love, in her fond arms at rest,
Thus to his Father's house he comes, the heavenly guest.

There Joseph at her side in reverent wonder stands;
And, filled with holy joy, old Simeon in his hands
Takes up the promised child, the glory of all lands.
O Light of all the earth, thy children wait for thee!
Come to thy temples here, that we, from sin set free,
Before thy Father's face may all presented be. Amen.

-John Ellerton, 1880

A small but reverent congregation gathered at our Church this Candlemas Eve. We began with a candlelight procession into the Church, and then at Holy Communion we sang the hymn by John Ellerton (above) and the Phos Hilaron.