Did you know that in the life of the Church, Christmas lasts far longer than most of us realize?
Traditionally, the Christmas season does not end on December 25, nor even on Epiphany. Traditionally, it extends a full forty days, concluding on February 2 with the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, also known as Candlemas.
This means the Church continues to celebrate the mystery of Christ’s birth well into winter, long after the world has moved on.
A Forty-Day Journey
The length of Christmastide is not arbitrary. It mirrors a biblical pattern of forty days, a number associated throughout Scripture with preparation, fulfillment, and encounter with God.
Forty days after His birth, the Holy Family traveled to Jerusalem to fulfill the Law of Moses. Mary completed the ritual purification required after childbirth, and Joseph offered the sacrifice for the redemption of their firstborn son. This moment is recorded in Luke’s Gospel and culminates in a profound encounter.
In the Temple, the aged Simeon takes the Christ Child into his arms and proclaims Him to be a light for revelation to the Gentiles and glory for Israel. At the same time, he foretells suffering, warning Mary that a sword will pierce her soul.
Christmas joy, the Church reminds us, always carries the shadow of the Cross.
Why Candlemas Matters
Because of Simeon’s prophecy, the Church marks February 2 with the blessing of candles. From ancient times, candles have symbolized Christ Himself, the Light who enters a dark world.
The Church’s tradition sees rich meaning in every part of the candle. The beeswax represents Christ’s pure body, the wick His human soul, and the flame His divine nature. When candles are blessed on Candlemas, they become more than objects. They are signs of the Incarnation carried into daily life.
Many Catholics still bring candles from home to be blessed on this feast, using them throughout the year for prayer, illness, storms, and moments of need. In this way, Christmas light continues to flicker long after the season officially ends.
Christmas Does Not Rush
The long Christmas season teaches a quiet lesson. God does not hurry His mysteries. The Child born in Bethlehem is slowly revealed to shepherds, kings, prophets, and finally to the world. The Church follows this pace deliberately, inviting us to linger rather than rush ahead.
If Christmas ends too quickly, we risk missing what it is truly about. Christ comes as light, yes, but also as a sign that will be opposed. Joy and sacrifice are already woven together in the Temple, forty days after the manger.
As the Church reaches the end of Christmastide at Candlemas, a candle burning in the home becomes a beautiful reminder that Christ’s light is not seasonal. It remains.
The Peace Candle offers a meaningful way to carry this tradition forward. Inspired by the symbolism of Candlemas, it brings warmth, prayer, and quiet reflection into the home, allowing the light of Christmas to endure throughout the year. Discover yours at The Catholic Company today!
