Well, maybe not exactly😄
February 2nd (40 days after Christmas) can be celebrated as the day that Jesus first went to church? In Luke 2:22-35 it is recorded that 40 days after Jesus’ birth, Mary and Joseph took infant Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem for the ritual purification of Mary after childbirth and to present their first born which was required by the Law of Moses. As they presented Jesus to Simeon, he prophesied:
According to Your word;
For my eyes have seen Your salvation
Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples,
A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles,
And the glory of Your people Israel.”
Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against 35 (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” (Luke 30-35)
We are familiar with February 2nd being called Groundhog Day. But did you know it is also called Candlemas?
Celebration of Candlemas Day began by Roman Catholics with lighting candles and parading through the streets as a commemoration of the presentation of Jesus and the prophesy of Simeon. German immigrants known as Pennsylvania Dutch brought the tradition to America in the 18th century.
But where does Groundhog Day come in? Candlemas occurs half way between the first day of winter and the first day of spring. Ancient thought was that hibernating creatures were able to predict the arrival of springtime on this day. Traditionally, it was believed that if Candlemas was sunny, the remaining six weeks of winter would be stormy and cold. But if it rained or snowed on Candlemas, the rest of the winter would be mild. If an animal “sees its shadow,” it must be sunny, so more wintry weather is predicted.
So now you know and can tell your children. Be sure and read Luke 2:22-35 and tell in your own words about Jesus going to ‘church’ for the first time. Then just have some fun with groundhog crafts:
http://www.dltk-kids.com/animals/mgroundhog.html
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/groundhogday/popuphog/ (my personal favorite!) Sing this song Mr.-Groundhog when you finish this craft.
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/groundhogday/
