Candlemas Day, or the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, is celebrated on February 2nd each year. Candlemas is a traditional Christian festival that commemorates the ritual purification of Mary forty days after giving birth to Jesus as required by Jewish law. On this day, Christians also remember the presentation of Jesus by Joseph and Mary at the Temple in Jerusalem. Christians hold Candlemas Day as a day of purification, renewal, and hope.

It is a Christian tradition to light beeswax candles and eat crepes (thin pancakes) to celebrate Candlemas. In addition, Snowdrop (Galanthas Nivalis) flowers are known as Candlemas Bells because they bloom early in the year. This Candlemas Milestone Moment provides an opportunity for family and friends to gather, celebrate Candlemas, and bless candles for use in the home.

This Milestone Moment consists of two pages that are reproducible in your local setting. It can be sent in emails or printed.
· Page 1 describes the significance of the moment and the importance of observing it.
· Page 2 provides a conversation guide* that includes talking and listening to one another, reading a verse/s from the Bible, and a prayer and blessing. It includes a food for thought question on how one might show love for one’s neighbor through an act of service.

All Milestone Moment Conversation Guides are designed and based on the *Four Key Faith Formation Practices of Caring Conversations, Devotions, Rituals and Traditions, and Service. These practices encourage us to grow in our faith through personal, trusted relationships.

These pottery Rituals and Traditions Stone for Gifting are individually hand-crafted and available at a low cost to purchase and gift as meaningful reminders of this Milestone Moment. They are a wonderful keepsake to remind us that Jesus Christ is the light of the world.