A Good Wash, A Dedication

Being the expectant father that I am (y'all are going to be SOOO tired of hearing that after a while, huh?), it has been my joy to read up on several aspects of rearing a child. One such tidbit that stood out this morning as I washed my hands was, "How to get your child to (thoroughly!) wash his hands." They recommended telling the child to hum a tune all the way through in order to get an idea of how long to wash. So I did.

Did you know the Alphabet Song is twenty-five seconds long when sung at a regular pace?

It was actually something, though, to pause long enough to have a good wash. Based on what I did this morning, I usually don't.

Today's the Presentation of the Lord in the Temple, officially marking the end of the Nativity Season.

The Gospel reading for today:

And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord; (As it is written in the law of the LORD, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) and to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons. And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, fhen took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, 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; a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.

And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; and she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.<> And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth. <>And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.

And the hymns:

Troparion in tone 1

Rejoice, O Virgin Theotokos, full of grace!
From you shone the Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God.
Enlightening those who sat in darkness!
Rejoice, and be glad, O righteous elder;
You accepted in your arms the Redeemer of our souls,
Who grants us the Resurrection.

Kontakion in tone 1

By Your nativity, You did sanctify the Virgin's womb,
And did bless Simeon's hands, O Christ God.
Now You have come and saved us through love.
Grant peace to all Orthodox Christians, O only Lover of man!

Happy Feast Day!