Today is, for Christians, the Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary — also known as the Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord in the Temple – also as Candlemas.

It commemorates the day, 40 days after the birth of Jesus, when Mary and Joseph took their little Son to the Jerusalem Temple to be “presented” to God.

In those times Jewish mothers were also expected to undergo a ritual “purification” bath [Mikvah] forty days after childbirth.

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February 2 is the end of the Christmas season for Christians.

If you have been to Mass since Christmas, you’ll have noticed the continuing theme of Our Lord’s birth in the Bible readings and songs.

But today is the day to take down your Nativity Scene and Christmas decorations.

If you already did it weeks ago, it means the commercialisers got the better of you this year.

There is always next year, however.

Next year leave your Nativity Scene up for the whole 40 days.

Don’t let them sell you short.

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On the first “Presentation Day”, Saint Simeon, an old man at the Temple, ready to die, took Baby Jesus in his arms, and prophesied concerning the child’s future:

“Lord, now let your servant depart in peace, according to your word:

For my eyes have seen your salvation,

Which you have prepared before the face of all people;

A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.

And Joseph and his mother marveled at those things which were spoken of him.

And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary his mother,

Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; (Yes, a sword shall pierce through your own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

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All this is recorded in your Bible, in the Gospel of Saint Luke, chapter 2.