Groundhogs, Kings, and Candlemas

Groundhog Day is a weird tradition. Somehow we got it into our heads that the meteorological scheme of an entire planet depends on whether an oversized rat named Phil sees his shadow or not. And so this week, millions gathered to force a rodent to predict the weather, and then blithely berated him for getting it wrong. The 1993 film by the same name added a mischievous twist by forcing its weatherman antihero, played by Bill Murray, to relive February 2 over and over again until he got it right. Hilarity ensued.Now what does all this have to do with our study in 2 Kings, and what, you might ask, is a Candlemas? The tradition of predicting weather on February 2 actually predates the whole groundhog phenomenon and was originally a whimsical celebration held on the Candlemas Feast Day, which celebrates the consecration of Christ in the temple 40 days after Christmas. You may remember Jim preached that text back in November as we reflected on Christ's fulfillment of the Messianic promises. The traditional time to remember that text is around February 2, on Candlemas. Here, we get the chance (just like that cranky weatherman) to deepen our celebration by repetition.These themes rise and converge as we continue our study of Privilege and Power with 2 Kings chapters 9-12. Like a blockbuster event, we'll see fast and furious driving, zealous rage, a grisly end for Jezebel, and the quiet miracle of subversive mothering. In the end, we'll be very grateful that there is One who actually did get it right - whose zeal for his Father's house consumed him, and who is putting an end to that repetitive cycle of abuse and neglect once and for all. As we prepare our hearts for worship this weekend, reflect with me on this Candlemas sonnet by poet Malcom Guite:They came, as called, according to the Law.Though they were poor and had to keep things simple,They moved in grace, in quietness, in awe,For God was coming with them to His temple.Amidst the outer court’s commercial bustleThey’d waited hours, enduring shouts and shoves,Buyers and sellers, sensing one more hustle,Had made a killing on the two young doves.They come at last with us to CandlemasAnd keep the day the prophecies came trueWe glimpse with them, amidst our busyness,The peace that Simeon and Anna knew.For Candlemas still keeps His kindled light,Against the dark our Saviour’s face is bright.