40 Days After Christmas; Presentation of Jesus At Temple

Forty days after Christmas, on February 2nd - Eastern Orthodox, Anglican, Methodists, Lutherans, Latin and Roman Catholic Churches recognize the Presentation of Jesus at Temple. More specifically; when Mother Mary presented the Christ Child as a baby, she had to, as it was law.  This date is heralded as the “fourth Joyful Mystery of the Rosary”. 

The event is described in the Gospel of Luke; Mary and Joseph took the baby Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem forty days after his birth to complete Mary's ritual purification after childbirth, and to perform the redemption of the first born, in obedience to the Law of Moses.  Luke explicitly says that Joseph and Mary take the option provided for poor people (those who could not afford a lamb) (Leviticus 12:8,) sacrificing "a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons." indicates that this event should take place forty days after birth of a male child, hence the Presentation is celebrated forty days after Christmas. Everyone had to do it.

Upon bringing Jesus into the temple, they encountered Simeon. The Gospel records that Simeon had been promised that "he should not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ  (Luke 2:26).  Simeon prayed the prayer that would become known as the Nunc Dimittis, or Canticle of Simeon, which prophesied the redemption of the world by Jesus:

St Michael's Cathedral, Toronto Canada

Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace; according to Thy word: for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people: to be a light to lighten the gentiles and to be the glory of Thy people Israel (Luke 2:29 -32) 

Simeon then prophesied to Mary: "Behold, this child is set for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which is spoken against. Yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed"  (Luke 2:34-35)

The elderly prophetess Anna was also in the Temple, and offered prayers and praise to God for Jesus, and spoke to everyone there about Jesus and his role in the redemption of Israel  (Luke 2:36-38) And so, it came to be known.

There is a spiritual aspect surrounding the recognition of the Christ Child for observers. It is felt only through faith. It’s teachings have continued through scriptures, study and art. 

Great works of art have been created to immortalize this event. The Brooklyn Museum showcases “The Presentation of Jesus in Temple” by James Tissot. 

Some time in the late 1400’s an unknown Russian Artist painted, what has come to be known as, Sretenie.  The Menolgion of Basil II also depicts the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple, it was painted sometime in the 11th Century and its artist is also unknown.

Stained glass artist Franz Borgias Mayer (1848-1926) was commissioned by St Michael’s Cathedral to create a stained glass window showing the sacred event, in Toronto Canada.  There is also the statue of Virgin of Candelaria which has become the Patron Saint of the Canary Islands.

The birth of any child is celebration for all families everywhere. It is of little wonder, Christians place so much emphasis on the birth of Jesus Christ.