Today is the Eighth Day of Christmas: and today happens to be Holy Name Day
Eucharistic Readings for Holy Name Day
Exodus 34:1-8; Romans 1: 1 to 7; Luke 2: 15 to 21
“After eight days had passed, it was time to circumcise the child; and he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.” (Luke 2: 21)
I am very familiar with Luke 2: 1 to 20, in fact, I have written a poem about it. (See my Christmas Eve blog of 9 days ago) Verse 21 for today adds a whole new element. This goes back to the Angel Gabriel’s visit with Mary 9 months ago and that she is to Name him Jesus. This was said and done before she conceived. The naming is from heaven, the circumcision is from tradition.
It is the same way with you and me today. Our names are given to God in baptism and we are brought into this world because we are needed. We might not get the same name that God wanted us to have but God will, at some point, call us each by the name prepared for us before the foundation of the world, and we will know it when we hear it, male and female alike.
Be you male or female, you were made as a gift to our community before you were born and so named at your own Christening. Merry Christmas: Day 8
God was born among us to teach us how to depend on God together for help all the time, but most especially in time of human need. Merry Christmas: Day 7
Forgive someone this Christmas and accept being forgiven. Merry Christmas: Day 6
Let us believe with patience, and have patience in believing. Merry Christmas: Day 5
We are never to hurt or harm children, only help them, teach them, save and love them. This is what Christmas is all about. Merry Christmas: Day 4
The testimony of John the apostle about our Lord Jesus is true; Believe. Merry Christmas: Day 3
Let us not take our hate or ill will for another with us to our mortal death. Merry Christmas: Day 2
Our being saved has as much to do with the birth of Jesus as it does his Resurrection from the dead. Merry Christmas: Day 1
Please keep up your thoughts and prayers and hopes for Ukraine, Iran and China.
As we listen to what the Spirit is saying to us, let us live to love and serve, and to teach others to love and serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John
onewhoponders 