When candles are lighted on Candlemas Day the dark is behind us, and spring's on the way. Refrain: A glory dawns in every dark place, the light of Christ, the fullness of grace. The kings have departed, the shepherds have gone, the child and his parents are left on their own. Refrain They go to the temple, obeying the law, and offer two pigeons, the gift of the poor. Refrain But Anna and Simeon recognize there the Christ-child who came at the turn of the year. Refrain The old who have suffered and waited so long see hope for the world as they welcome the young. Refrain They gaze at God's wonderful answer to prayer, the joy of the Jews and the Gentiles' desire. Refrain The light is increasing and spring's in the air. Look back with thanksgiving! Look forward with awe! Refrain They see before Mary a heart-piercing grief, but trust is complete at the end of their life. Refrain For Mary will follow, with tears in her eyes, her Savior and Son to the foot of the cross. Refrain Great Spirit of Yahweh, with courage inspire your everyday saints who face up to despair. Refrain They pass through temptation, through failure, through death. When darkness descends, they plod onward in faith. Refrain Like Anna, like Simeon, may they have trust, the eyes to see Jesus, and peace at the last. Refrain The candles invite us to praise and to pray when Christmas greets Easter on Candlemas Day. Refrain