Pastor's Corner

(Philippians 4:4-7)

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds, in Jesus Christ.

“Rejoice, Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice ” When Paul wrote these words, he was in prison, a small cave 14 feet underground….abused, beaten, falsely arrested. Fifteen times in his letter to the Philippians, Paul uses the word JOY.

But is it possible to rejoice Always? Even in the midst of fright? Anger? Defeat? Anxiety? Pain? Unemployment? Disappointment? Is it possible to be happy when there is no happiness? According to Paul, the answer is “Yes!”, but only if you have JOY. Happiness is affected by circumstances; it depends on our emotions, our experiences, and our anxieties. Joy is Peace which circumstances cannot steal.

We need a happiness beyond our happenings. Paul knows the limits of our happiness. And Paul also knows the reality of God’s joy. It is a relationship we carry, not a circumstance we face. Joy doesn’t come from outward situations, but from inward strength. We don’t rely on what we feel, or face, or fear. We rely only on Christ within us.

I believe Paul meant that Joy, as opposed to happiness, means knowing Christ personally, and feeling His presence in our hearts now and forever, and trusting His promise to be with us Always! Even during this Lenten season.

Lord Jesus, thank You for journeying through this life for us, and for journeying with us through our lives. Guide us safely home and keep us in joyful anticipation of entering your presence forever.

Your friend and pastor
Pastor Samuel King-Kabu

Candlemas

February 2 is Candlemas day. In the church it may be celebrated on the Sunday before or the Sunday after, as long as it doesn’t take place during lent.

For many years, while Mrs. Marie Beck (wife of Pastor Vilhelm Beck) was president of the DLA, we sang ‘Det er hvidt herude’ at the February meeting. Then she would explain what the meaning of ‘Kyndelmisse’ was.

Known in Denmark as ‘Kyndelmisse’ or ’Kjørmes-Knud’, references found in two wintry songs by the Danish poets, Steen Steensen Blicher and Jeppe Aakjær, respectively, ‘Det er hvidt herude’ and ‘Sneflokke kommer vrimlende’. It is thought that during Grundtvig’s time, the festival was celebrated in the churches, although it had been abolished by Struensee in 1770. It is still practiced in Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches.

The feast commemorates the presentation of the infant Jesus in the temple at Jerusalem, where he is received by Simeon and Anna. Simeon called him the ‘Light of the World’. Candles are lit during church services to remind Christians of this.

Why Candlemas? In earlier times, candles were very important in the dark winter months. Not only because there were no electric lights. It was also thought it would give protection from the plague and illness. The festival is called Candlemas because this is the day that the wax candles for the coming year are blessed in the church.

In Latin, Candlemas is known as ‘missa candelarum’ which means ‘mass of the light’ or ‘festival of light’. Candlemas day has two other names as well. The Feast of the Purification of the Virgin Mary, and the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, both relating to important events in the life of baby Jesus.

Candlemas, February 2, also is the midpoint of winter. Halfway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. In bygone years people believed that Candlemas predicted the weather for the rest of the winter. In the USA and Canada this is generally marked as ‘Groundhog Day’.

Web Page prepared by:

Roger Kenner & Jette Blair.
Content-New Topics Last Updated: 2016/04/05
St. Ansgar's Lutheran Church - Montreal