All materials copyright (c) 2003 by Christine Hoff Kraemer. Permission is given to distribute freely in this form as long as no changes are made. Congregations are encouraged to adapt materials to their own needs for the purposes of worship. For permission to publish, contact chk@bu.edu.
Imbolc/Candlemas (Feb. 1-2)
The Festival of Fire, Inspiration, and Poetry

Imbolc/Candlemas Directions*

We celebrate a Spirit that moves through air,
in the wind that whips through and tugs at our clothing,
in the breath that flows in and out of our lungs,
in the wings of the dove that came down to bless Jesus.
Spirit of air, we welcome you.

We celebrate a Spirit that moves through fire,
in the light of the sun that warms the earth,
in the heat of our bodies as we dance and play,
in the tongues of flame that inspired the disciples.
Spirit of fire, we welcome you.

We celebrate a Spirit that moves through water,
in the current of the ocean that ebbs and flows,
in the pulse of the blood that throbs in our veins,
in the moment of baptism when we know God’s love.
Spirit of water, we welcome you.

We celebrate a Spirit that moves through earth,
in the rumble of thunder on a stormy night,
in the pleasure of our mouths when we eat our food,
in the loaf that we break for Christ’s holy meal.
Spirit of earth, we welcome you.

We celebrate a Spirit that never rests,
who in the stillness of winter turns our faces toward spring,*
who awakens our creativity with tongues of flame.
Spirit within all that contains all,
move through us to bring justice to our troubled world.
We honor you. Blessed be.

*The imagery of fire and inspiration of this invocation makes it appropriate for both Imbolc and Pentecost, though Pentecost occurs some three months later.

Alternate line for Pentecost:
who calls us to be prophets, see visions, dream dreams,
Imbolc/Candlemas Communion (Complete)

Call to Communion

Today is the celebration of the sun’s waxing light, called both Candlemas and Imbolc. The young light and hope that were reborn at the Winter Solstice have begun to manifest, and the lengthening of the days brings the promise of spring. We meet today to share a ritual of purification and inspiration, in memory of Jesus Christ.

The Great Thanksgiving

Leader:The Creator is with us!
All:We open our hearts to the Spirit.
We rejoice to give thanks to our God.
Leader:Holy One, throughout the turn of the seasons you remain steadfast. In the depths of our suffering, you suffer with us; in the heights of our joy, you share in our pleasure. Creator of earth, air, fire, and water, we celebrate the creation that is your body. In the faces of those around us, in our own faces in the mirror, and in all living creatures, we see your face. By your power and presence, you transform us; we become prophets and makers of justice, bearers of your message of truth and beauty to all the world. And so, with all of being, we raise our voices in your praise:
All:Holy, Holy, Holy One, Source of Life and Love, all that is blazes with your glory.
Leader:Blessed are you, and blessed is the Child of Humanity, called Jesus, who came amongst us to proclaim liberation and wholeness. Jesus came to break all bonds, to shatter the chains of oppression that hold us in captivity; he healed the sick, gave food to the poor, and ate with those that society rejected to show that God’s table is open to all. Through his suffering, death, and resurrection he proclaimed the victory of love over death. O God, by your power of compassion and justice you gave birth to a new community to embody the continuing presence of Christ in the world. When we break the bread and share the cup, we do so to remember Jesus Christ, and to affirm that your acceptance is poured out for all.

Words of Institution

Leader:The seasons turn and the earth warms with the sun, and we feel the fire of inspiration catch in our hearts, burning to bring light to the growing year. We take this meal, and remember the promise of transformation:
All:Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again.
[or: The sun waxes; the fire is lit; the light will shine forth!]
Leader:Holy One, let your spirit well up in us and in these gifts of bread and wine. Together we pray as did St. Teresa ofAvila:
All:Christ has no body now on earth but ours;
No hands but ours;
No feet but ours;
Ours are the eyes
Through which Christ’s compassion to the world looks out;
Ours are the feet with which Christ goes about doing good;
Ours are the hands with which Christ blesses now.

Sharing of the Bread and Cup

Closing Prayer

Leader:Mother of all, inspire us!
All:Descend on us in tongues of flame!
Leader:Lord of the dance, invigorate us!
All:Descend on us in tongues of flame!
Leader:Creator of being, fill us with passion!
All:Descend on us in tongues of flame!
Leader:O Holy One, let there be no more complacency among us.
We offer ourselves as vessels of justice and beauty.
Know us today as your people of fire!
All:Alleluia! Amen.



Imbolc/Candlemas Communion Elements

Call to Communion

Today is the celebration of the sun’s waxing light, called both Candlemas and Imbolc. The young light and hope that were reborn at the Winter Solstice have begun to manifest, and the lengthening of the days brings the promise of spring. We meet today to share a ritual of purification and inspiration, in memory of Jesus Christ.

Words of Institution

Leader:The seasons turn and the earth warms with the sun, and we feel the fire of inspiration catch in our hearts, burning to bring light to the growing year. We take this meal, and remember the promise of transformation:
All:The sun waxes; the fire is lit; the light will shine forth!

Closing Prayer

Leader:Mother of all, inspire us!
All:Descend on us in tongues of flame!
Leader:Lord of the dance, invigorate us!
All:Descend on us in tongues of flame!
Leader:Creator of being, fill us with passion!
All:Descend on us in tongues of flame!
Leader:O Holy One, let there be no more complacency among us.
We offer ourselves as vessels of justice and beauty.
Know us today as your people of fire!
All:Alleluia! Amen.


Activities for Imbolc/Candlemas

1. Imbolc is also known as Candlemas in the Christian Church, and is the day when the church candles are blessed. Ask the congregation to bring candles from their homes that they would like blessed, and set a time aside toward the end of the service for each person to receive a flame from the altar.
2. Hold a short poetry reading, consisting either of works by published authors, or by amateur poets in the church. This is an especially good opportunity to encourage young people to take part in the service.