Happy Presentation Day

Yesterday was “Groundhog Day” in North America. I had no idea why it was called Groundhog Day, or its origin. I read the entry on Wikipedia and, although the origins of the day have varied explanations, basically it seems it was used as a way to clear up conflicts over the beginning of Spring, which differs between the Gregorian and Julian calendars. Yeah. Who cares?

The basic premise is a groundhog comes out of its hole, and if the sun is shining and it sees its shadow, it retreats into its den for another six weeks of winter. If it is cloudy, the groundhog will stay out signifying an early spring. Really? OK, so yesterday, there was a big snow storm in Ontario and Wiarton Willie didn’t see his shadow because there was too much snow blowing around. In Alberta, North Carolina, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New York, Colorado, and Maryland, the groundhog saw his shadow. I haven’t paid close attention to this over the years, but it seems to me we generally have at least 6 more weeks of winter around here anyway. The first day of Spring is 7 weeks after February 2 so, what’s the big deal? We’ve had snow storms early in April, which is about 9 weeks. Maybe I’m a bit jaded about this, I don’t know.

To my mind, there’s a bigger issue here. Let’s do a bit of counting. How many days are there between December 25 and February 2? Hmm… 40, perhaps? To all us Christians out there, does that number trigger in you some recollection of the original celebration for February 2?

Luke 2:22-40 relates the story of Jesus’ presentation at the temple. A devout man named Simeon was led by the Spirit to go to the Temple because the Messiah would be there. He had been promised he would not die until he had seen the Messiah. Upon seeing the Christ Child, he blessed God saying, “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.” (ESV) How many of you sang the liturgy in your head when you read those words? Anna the Prophetess was also in the Temple and praised God for His Gift to His people – the fulfilment of His promise to save us.

So, why don’t we celebrate it in our churches? Why are we making a big deal out of some inaccurate prediction of the start of Spring based on a rodent? My theory is that the world has walked away from those “scary” Christian faith observances, and have chosen to replace it with something pagan and meaningless in an attempt to get the populace to forget about their sin and need for the Saviour presented on that day. Sin makes people uncomfortable. The groundhog is a similar symbol to Santa, the jolly gift giver, who has replaced the loving God Who gave the ultimate gift, or the Easter Bunny who gives eggs and chocolate instead of Jesus Who gave His life so we may spend eternity with Him. It just makes me sad, I guess, that what the world is looking for has been cut out of societal mention. Jesus is now only found inside the doors of the church, it would seem. Maybe we could get our churches to consider celebrating Presentation Day again? Again, maybe I’m a bit jaded, but I’m not holding my breath.

Until next time, Happy Presentation Day…