All Saints’
The Weekly WWW.ALLSAINTSCARMEL.ORG
The Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany — February 2, 2014
We Present Jesus Christ –By The Rev. Rick Matters
Mary and Joseph presented Jesus at the Temple because he was “designated as holy to the Lord” (Luke 2:22). They offered a sacrifice, and both the priest, Simeon, and the prophet, Anna, praised God. Because his presentation confirmed Jesus as the Light of God, the blessing of candles became associated with this feast from early times. The Presentation is one of twelve feasts of our Lord observed throughout the year. Yet it is Joseph and Mary who initiated the action of presenting Jesus, and it is to them that we turn to find our response. For like them, we have received the Christ into our lives. We identify Jesus as holy to the Lord, our true light. We present Jesus by bringing him to the Temple called All Saints’. We also
Upcoming Birthday Celebrations February 4 February 10 February 13 February 16 February 17 February 20 February 24 February 25 February 26
Josh Green Alison Craig Linda Dowd, Gary Turner Dennis and Pinkie Terry LeAnn Keaton Frederick Stanley Nancy Collins John Stivers Schwartz Booth
Watch over thy children, O Lord,
as their days increase; bless and guide them wherever they may be. Strengthen them when they stand; comfort them when discouraged or sorrowful; raise them up if they fall; and in their hearts may thy peace which passeth understanding abide all the days of their lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving. Our sacrifice is not a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons, but ourselves, our life and our labor. The candles we bless today symbolize our sacrifice, and confirm our presentation of the Light. Afterwards, like his parents, we take Jesus home, and carry his light into the world.
Scripture lessons for today Malachi 3:1-4 Hebrews 2:14-18 Luke 2:22-40 Psalm 24:7-10
Scripture lessons for next week
Isaiah 58:1-9a, (9b-12) 1 Corinthians 2:1-12, (13-16) Matthew 5:13-20 Psalm 112:1-9, (10)