C. THE EUCHARIST OF CANDLEMAS

1	The Procession with lighted candles is the distinctive feature of the Eucharist of Candlemas. This Order provides for the Procession at the end of the Service. However, the Appendix (p.283) makes provision for the Procession either at the beginning, or immediately before the Gospel.
	THE PREPARATION
2	At the entry of the ministers THIS SENTENCE may be used. Open me the gates of righteousness: and I will enter and give thanks to the Lord. Psalm 118.19
3	A HYMN, A CANTICLE or A PSALM may be sung.
4	The president welcomes the people and introduces the day's liturgy. The Lord of glory be with you. The Lord bless you. Dear friends: forty days ago we celebrated the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. Now we recall the day on which he was presented in the Temple, when he was offered to the Father and shown to his people. As a sign of his coming among us, his mother was purified, as we now come to him for cleansing. In their old age Simeon and Anna recognised him as their Lord, as we today sing of his glory. In this eucharist, we celebrate both the joy of his coming and his searching judgement, looking back to the day of his birth and forward to the coming days of his passion.
5	GLORIA IN EXCELSIS may be used. Glory to God in the highest, and peace to his people on earth. Lord God, heavenly King, almighty God and Father, we worship you, we give you thanks, we praise you for your glory. Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, Lord God, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world: have mercy on us; you are seated at the right hand of the Father: receive our prayer. For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen.
6	The president says THE COLLECT. Let us pray that we may know and share the light of Christ. Silence may be kept. Almighty Father, whose Son Jesus Christ was presented in the Temple and acclaimed the glory of Israel and the light of the nations: grant that in him we may be presented to you and in the world may reflect his glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.[8]

	THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD
7	Either two or three READINGS FROM SCRIPTURE follow, the last of which is the Gospel.
8	Sit OLD TESTAMENT READING At the end the Reader may say This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
9	A PSALM may be used.
10	Sit NEW TESTAMENT READING (EPISTLE) At the end the Reader may say This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
11	A CANTICLE, A HYMN, or A PSALM may be used.
12	Stand This ACCLAMATION may precede and/or follow the Gospel. Today the Lord is presented in the temple in substance of our mortal nature. Alleluia! Today the Blessed Virgin comes to be purified in accordance with the law. Alleluia! Today old Simeon proclaims Christ as the Light of the Nations and the Glory of Israel. Alleluia! Praise to Christ, the Light of the world!
13	THE GOSPEL Luke 2 : 22-40 When it is announced Glory to Christ our Saviour. At the end the reader may say This is the gospel of Christ Praise to Christ our Lord.
14	Sit THE SERMON
15	Stand THE NICENE CREED may be said, or an authorized AFFIRMATION OF FAITH may be used in its place.

	THE PRAYERS
16	PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION Biddings may be given before these Prayers of intercession, which are then said without interpolation. Silence may be kept after each response. Alternatively, the Prayers of Penitence and Intercession (section 15 in The Vigil for Candlemas) may take the place of sections 16 and 17 below. Minister Let us pray to the Father through Christ who is our Light and Life. Father, your Christ is acclaimed as the glory of Israel: Look in mercy on your Church, sharing his light. Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Father, your Christ in his temple brings judgement on the world: Look in mercy on the nations, who long for his justice. Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Father, your Christ, who was rich, for our sakes became poor: Look in mercy on the needy, suffering with him. Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Father, your Christ is the one in whom faithful servants find their peace: Look in mercy on the departed, who see your salvation. Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Father, your Christ is revealed as the one destined to be rejected: Look in mercy on us who now turn towards his passion. Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. President Lord God, you kept faith with Simeon and Anna and showed them the infant King. Give us grace to put all our trust in your promises, and the patience to wait for their fulfilment; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
17	PRAYERS OF PENITENCE may be said. Minister Jesus says, 'I am the light of the world. He who follows me shall not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.' Let us then bring our secret sins into his light and confess them in penitence and faith. [20] Father eternal, giver of light and grace, we have sinned against you and against our neighbour, in what we have thought, in what we have said and done, through ignorance, through weakness, through our own deliberate fault. We have wounded your love, and marred your image in us. We are sorry and ashamed, and repent of all our sins. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, who died for us, forgive us all that is past; and lead us out from darkness to walk as children of light. Amen. [8] President Almighty God, who forgives all who truly repent, have mercy upon you, pardon and deliver you from all your sins, confirm and strengthen you in all goodness, and keep you in life eternal; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
	THE PEACE
18	Stand President In the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high has broken upon us, to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace. The peace of the Lord be always with you And also with you. A minister may say Let us offer one another a sign of peace. and all may exchange a sign of peace.
	THE PREPARATION OF THE GIFTS
19	The bread and wine are placed on the holy table.
20	The president may praise God for his gifts in appropriate words to which all respond. Blessed be God for ever.
21	The offerings of the people may be collected and presented. These words may be used. Yours, Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the splendour, and the majesty; for everything in heaven and on earth is yours. All things come from you, and of your own do we give you.
22	At the Preparation of the Gifts A HYMN may be sung.
	THE EUCHARISTIC PRAYER
23	The president takes the bread and cup into his hands and replaces them on the holy table.
24	The President uses one of the authorized Eucharistic Prayers with a PROPER PREFACE of the Incarnation or one of the following. And now we give you thanks because by appearing in the Temple he brings judgement on the world. The Word made flesh searches the hearts of all your people, to bring to light the brightness of your splendour. or And now we give you thanks because your eternal Word took our nature upon him in the womb of Mary the Virgin. The sword of sorrow pierced her heart when he was lifted high on the Cross, and by his sacrifice made our peace with you.
	THE COMMUNION
25	THE LORD'S PRAYER is said in one of the following forms. As our Saviour has taught us, so we pray Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those    who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power,    and the glory are yours now and for ever. Amen. or Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those    who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom,    the power, and the glory for ever and ever. Amen.
26	The President breaks the consecrated bread, saying We break the bread of life, and that life is the light of the world. God here among us, light in the midst of us, bring us to light and life. [11]
27	Either here or during the distribution one of the following ANTHEMS may be said. Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world: have mercy on us. Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world: have mercy on us. Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world: grant us peace. or Jesus, Lamb of God: have mercy on us. Jesus, bearer of our sins: have mercy on us. Jesus, redeemer of the world: give us your peace.
28	Before the distribution the President says The gifts of God for the people of God. Jesus Christ is holy, Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
29	The President and people receive the Communion. Any authorized words of distribution may be used. During the distribution HYMNS and ANTHEMS may be sung. The Alternative Service Book provision is followed for consecration of additional bread and wine and for disposing of what remains.
	AFTER COMMUNION
30	The president may say This child is destined for the fall and for the rising of many in Israel, destined to be a sign that is rejected. And a sword shall pierce your own soul also. Luke 2:35
31	(If the procession has already taken place at the beginning, the service concludes now in the form set out in the Appendix. p.283.)
	THE CANDLEMAS PROCESSION
32	If the Procession is to take place now, A HYMN may be sung while the candles are lit.
33	Stand The president says Lord God, the springing source of everlasting light, pour into the hearts of your faithful people the brilliance of your eternal splendour, that we, who by these kindling flames light up this temple to your glory, may have the darkness of our souls dispelled, and so be counted worthy to stand before you in that eternal temple where you live and reign, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. [3]
34	The ministers and people go in procession to the font, or to the door of the church, or to another suitable place. As they process they sing NUNC DIMITTIS in one of these forms or in another suitable version. A light to lighten the nations and the glory of your people Israel. Now, Lord, you let your servant go in peace: your word has been fulfilled. A light to lighten the nations and the glory of your people Israel. My own eyes have seen the salvation: which you have prepared in the sight of every people. A light to lighten the nations and the glory of your people Israel. A light to reveal you to the nations: and the glory of your people Israel. [44] A light to lighten the nations and the glory of your people Israel. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and shall be for ever. Amen. A light to lighten the nations and the glory of your people Israel. or Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace: according to thy word. For mine eyes have seen thy salvation; which thou hast prepared before the face of all people. To be a light to lighten the Gentiles; and to be the glory of thy people Israel. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost: As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. [41]
35	FINAL RESPONSORY President Father, here we bring to an end our celebration of the Saviour's birth. Help us, in whom he has been born, to live his life that has no end. Here we have offered the Church's sacrifice of praise. Help us, who have received the bread of life, to be thankful for your gift. Here we have rejoiced with faithful Simeon and Anna. Help us, who have found the Lord in his temple, to trust in your eternal promises. Here we have greeted the Light of the world. Help us, who now extinguish these candles, never to forsake the light of Christ. All now extinguish their candles. Here we now stand near the place of baptism. Help us, who are marked with the cross, to share the Lord's death and resurrection. Here we turn from Christ's birth to his passion. Help us, for whom Lent is near, to enter deeply into the Easter mystery. Here we bless one another in your name. Help us, who now go in peace, to shine with your light in the world. Thanks be to God! Amen. [13]
36	The ministers and people depart.

	APPENDIX
a	THE PROCESSION WITH CANDLES
1	If the Procession takes place before the service, the congregation assembles in a convenient place. Candles are distributed before the Procession, which may take place at this point or before the Reading of the Gospel.
2	The president welcomes the people May the light and peace of Jesus Christ our Lord be with you. The Lord bless you.
3	A HYMN or CHANT may be sung at the lighting of the candles, and THIS ACCLAMATION may be made. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God He is worthy of all thanksgiving and praise. Blessed are you, Lord our God, King of the universe! You make our darkness to be light. For with you is the well of life and in your light shall we see light. Blessed be God for ever. [3]
4	The president blesses the candles, saying Lord God, the springing source of everlasting light, pour into the hearts of your faithful people the brilliance of your eternal splendour, that we, who by these kindling flames light up this temple to your glory, may have the darkness of our souls dispelled, and so be counted worthy to stand before you in that eternal temple where you live and reign, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. [3]
5	Before the Procession THESE RESPONSES may be used. We wait for your loving kindness, O Lord, in the midst of your temple. Open to us the gates of righteousness that we may enter and give thanks to the Lord. God is the Lord who has shown us light, Let us offer in his dwelling an oblation with great gladness.
6	At the procession A HYMN or CANTICLE is sung. At the start of the service this may be the Canticle 'Glory to God in the highest'. If the Procession is made before the Gospel, the Hymn 'Hail to the Lord who comes' is appropriate. Nunc Dimittis is more suitable when the procession is made at the end of the service.
b	AFTER COMMUNION
7	When the Procession has taken place earlier in the service, then at the end, after the Sentence and Silence, A HYMN may be sung, or the Canticle NUNC DIMITTIS in one of these forms or any other suitable version. THE SONG OF SIMEON: Nunc Dimittis Luke 2:29-32 A light to lighten the nations and the glory of your people Israel. Now, Lord, you let your servant go in peace: your word has been fulfilled. A light to lighten the nations and the glory of your people Israel. My own eyes have seen the salvation: which you have prepared in the sight of every people. A light to lighten the nations and the glory of your people Israel. A light to reveal you to the nations: and the glory of your people Israel. [44] A light to lighten the nations and the glory of your people Israel. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and shall be for ever. Amen. A light to lighten the nations and the glory of your people Israel. or Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace: according to thy word. For mine eyes have seen thy salvation; which thou hast prepared before the face of all people. To be a light to lighten the Gentiles; and to be the glory of thy people Israel. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost: As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. [41]
8	Either or both of the following prayers is said. President Lord, you fulfilled the hope of Simeon and Anna, who did not die until they welcomed the Messiah. May we, who have received these your gifts beyond words prepare to meet Christ Jesus when he comes to bring us eternal life; for he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. We thank you, Lord, that you have fed us in this Sacrament, united us with Christ, and given us a foretaste of the heavenly banquet prepared for all mankind. Amen. [9*]
	THE DISMISSAL
9	The president may say THIS BLESSING. Christ the Son of God, born of Mary, fill you with his grace to trust his promises and obey his will; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you always. Amen. [8]
10	Minister Go in the light and peace of Christ. Thanks be to God.