Candlemas carol service by candlelight at St Paul's

Window at St Paul's Church, Bedford, showing Simeon holding Jesus.

All are welcome to a Candlemas carol service by candlelight being held at St Paul's Church in Bedford, on Sunday, January 31, at 5.30pm.

The service will trace the story of the Wise Men through to the account of the presentation of Jesus to Simeon at the Temple with readings and well known carols and hymns for choir and congregation. During the service gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh are offered at the crib and there is a candlelit procession - hence the name Candlemas - for everyone to enjoy.

This will be a joint celebration of the Anglican churches in the town. The Feast of the Presentation, or Candlemas, on February 2, occurs 40 days after the birth of Christ. It serves to reflect on events commemorated at Christmas and Epiphany, before looking towards Holy Week and Easter. After this service the crib figures will be taken down until next Christmas.