The images of the Child Jesus that presided over the celebration of Christmas in Christian homes are taken to be blessed in the Eucharistic Celebration of February 2 to celebrate Candlemas Day: When Jesus was recognized as the Light of the Nations by the elderly Simeon and the prophetess Anna.
There is also a tradition of presenting newborn children to the Church, as the Virgin Mary and St. Joseph brought the Child Jesus to the Temple of Jerusalem to consecrate Him according to Jewish law.
The presentation of children to the Church (or to the Temple) means to show God gratitude for the gift of life, and for having received, as a blessing, the birth of a new member of the family; while preparing for his Baptism, which is the sacrament that gives him the dignity of a child of God, incorporating him into Christ and into the ecclesial family.
Let us remember that passage of the Gospel that says:
"Then some children were brought to him, that he might lay his hands on them, and pray; and the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them; for theirs is the kingdom of Haven"
(Matthew 19:13ff).
P. Claudio
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