Super Bowl, Crepes and Candles

Super Bowls, Crepes, and Candles: Observing the Christian Calendar with Movies and Music.

Written by the Hobbit and the Elf 1/30/2020
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Super Bowl Sunday is coming up in a few days. This is undoubtedly one of the biggest events in our modern American culture. And while the date of the Super Bowl moves a bit (it is now usually the first Sunday in February), this year it is on a day that is special for another reason. February 2 is the fixed yearly date of the feast of Candlemas.

What is Candlemas?

Unless you grew up in a liturgical church, you probably have never heard of Candlemas- like me! So a brief explanation is in order. In Luke 2:22–40 we read about Jesus being presented at the Temple, as was customary in a Jewish family, and the miraculous things that were brought to light there. As early as the 4h century Christians in Jerusalem were celebrating this special day. It came to be celebrated on February 2, which is (counting Christmas as day one) the 40^th day into this season of the Christian year. 

Why the name Candlemas? Well, candles were once a LOT more important than they are now, and this became a day to take your candles to church and have them blessed. These candles served as a reminder throughout the year that Jesus was “the light of the world”, and, just as Jesus was blessed, so the candles, were blessed.

At this point we are fairly sure you are saying “thanks for the ancient history lesson, but this has nothing to do with me now”. And we are not telling you that God commands, in any way, that we celebrate these days on the Christian calendar. Candlemas is still celebrated in many European countries and we feel like it’s worth noting. We have found that it observing some of the rhythms of the Christian calendar has added to our spiritual lives, which is why we’re posting about them occasionally.

Devotional Thought:

We don’t have candles to bless to light the way into a new year. But many of us will be gathered with family and friends to watch the Super Bowl, and this is one of God’s greatest blessings. It’s a wonderful day to take time to reflect on all of the blessings that bring light into your life and think about who you bring light too! How have you seen the light of Jesus unexpectedly this week? How can you shine that hopeful light into someone else’s life in the coming week?

The beautiful thing about a candle analogy here is that it has to be lit, it’s not our light we’re shining. The way our candles burn depend on how they were created. We were uniquely created to share the light and love of Christ. The burning process, allowing ourselves to be bearers of that light, isn’t always easy- but the glow of the light always pushes back the darkness. We hope that you find light in an unexpected place this week and that you get to be a loving light in an unexpected way this week!

And apparently it is common for people to celebrate Candlemas by lighting candles at breakfast and eating crepes… And while I don’t understand why, that sounds lovely. So bring on the football and spray cheese, but lets pause, light a candle and eat some crepes first.

Song for Candlemas:

This Little Light of Mine

This version by Listener kids is one we use in our pre-school class that the kids love.

Other ‘Light’ Songs: Great Light of the World by Bebo Norman, Light of the World by Lauren Daigle, In Christ Alone by Natalie Grant, In the Light by D.C. Talk

Movie for Candlemas:

The Sound of Music (for those of you not watching the Super Bowl, the length should be about the same). It is a good movie for “failure and recovery” and reminds us of the prophecies in Luke 22, “This child marks both the failure and the recovery of many in Israel”. It’s also a great example of bringing love and light into others lives.

To Read:

Luke 2:22-40 :The story of Jesus being presented at the temple and the marvelous things that happened there- and afterward.

Luke 2:32 VOICE   He is the light who reveals Your message to the other nations, and He is the shining glory of Your covenant people, Israel.

Luke 2:52 NLT Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and all the people.

Check it out!

Have you ever celebrated Candlemas before?! What about the Superbowl?! What’s your favorite ‘sport watching’ food?! If you enjoyed this post- please share it on social media!!

If you enjoyed this post, you might like our family devotional Christmas series, our blog about Impostor Syndrome and Mother Theresa, or our post on Practice Prayers.

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