Page:Tracts for the Times Vol 2.djvu/88

2 by Moses. The examples of the holy Simeon and Anna (Luke ii.) are on this occasion held up for our imitation. Like them, we should devoutly rejoice that our earthly career has been blessed by the knowledge of coming in the flesh;—that we have been enabled to see that light which was destined to lighten the Gentiles, as well as to be the glory of  people Israel. (Feb. 2.)

or announcement of the approaching birth of the by the angel Gabriel, to the Virgin Mary, Luke i. 26. (March 25.)

, and the days following. On this greatest of all festivals, we celebrate the consummation of our victory over the powers of darkness. His glorious and triumphant rising from the grave; an event in which His true followers rejoice as being alike the great confirmation of their Master's truth, and the earnest and proof of their own blissful resurrection in the fulness of appointed time.

Easter is kept on different days of the months of March or April, in different years, the time of its celebration depending on that of a full moon, as did the Jewish Passover.

, (forty days after Easter,) on which, as the name of the festival implies, we commemorate the ascension of our Lord into heaven, forty days after His resurrection.

, or the Feast of Pentecost, (ten days after Ascension day.) On this day we celebrate the fulfilment of our Lord's parting promise in the descent of the Holy Ghost, in fire, upon His Apostles, to abide with them, and with His Holy Church, even unto the end of the world.

, (the Sunday following Whitsunday.) On this day, having commemorated severally the different leading events in our history, from the annunciation of His birth to the pouring forth of His Spirit, we are led by our Church to contemplate the mystery of our Redemption in one general view; glorifying alike  the Father, who sent His dearly-beloved Son to save us;  the, who graciously undertook our redemption; and  the , who mercifully vouchsafes to sanctify us, and all the elect people of.