The Circumcision and Name of Jesus- January 1

Although Christians should certainly pray for guidance and blessing at the secular New Year, on church calendars, Lutherans and other liturgical Christians have always stressed other themes on January 1. It is the eighth day of Christmas and the day on which the Christ Child was circumcised and named. 

The first lesson or Old Testament reading is from Numbers 6:22-27 which contains the familiar Aaronic blessing- "The LORD bless you and keep you..." The concluding verse of the selection mentions putting the Lord's name upon His people, and the Lord's name is contained in the name Jesus-"Yahweh saves."

One suggested Psalm for this day is Psalm 8, which is appropriate because it speaks of the majesty of the LORD'S name and of babes praising Him.

There are two traditions about the second or epistle reading. One reading is Galatians 3:23-29 which is related to the themes of circumcision and the Law contrasted with baptism and justification by faith. The other reading, from Philippians 2:9-13, is related to the name Jesus, His majesty, and the importance of confessing faith in Jesus and living accordingly.

The Gospel is brief but rich in meaning. Luke 2:21 says, "And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called Jesus, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb." This is a concise statement of the biblical significance of this day, and it points us to both Christ's circumcision and His holy name. These themes are rich in possibilities for reflection on Law, Gospel and the work of Jesus Christ "for us men and our salvation."

Christmas- The Nativity of our Lord

The 1917 Common Service Book provides two collects or prayers of the day for Christmas Eve and Day. The first is intended for use with the Gospel from Luke 2 and the second for use with the Gospel from John 1. Here they are in slightly modernized form.

Early Service-  O God,  You have made this most holy night to shine with the brightness of the true Light: Grant, we beseech You, that as we have known on earth the mysteries of that Light, we may also come to the fullness of His joys in heaven; through Jesus Christ who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, ever One God, world without end. AMEN.

 Later Service- Almighty God, we humbly ask You to grant, through the new Birth from Your only-begotten Son in the flesh, that we may be set free from the old bondage under the yoke of sin; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, ever One God, now and for ever. AMEN.

Recent lectionaries provide a number of options for readings depending on the time of day and the number of services offered. Of course, all the Scripture readings are full of truth and meaning, but personally if doing two services, I prefer Luke 2 for the first service and John 1 for the second service. Luke 2 focuses on divine intervention in the humble events associated with the Messiah's Birth. John 1 focuses on the theological meaning of the Word becoming flesh. Of course, we can all benefit from thinking and praying about both perspectives on the Nativity. Both accounts proclaim good news. The humble child in the manger is the divine Word made flesh for our salvation. Glory be to God on high!

Advent 3 (year B)- Isaiah 61; 1 Thessalonians 5; John 1:6-8, 19-28

The traditional collect or prayer of the day for Advent 3, modernized from the Common Service Book, says:

Lord,  we beseech You, give ear to our prayers, and lighten the darkness of our hearts, by Your gracious visitation; Who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, ever One God, world without end. AMEN.

The First or Old Testament reading from Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11. This is a familiar Messianic prophecy which proclaims both judgment and good tidings.

Psalm 126  contrasts the sorrow of exile and captivity with the joy of return and restoration. Everything should lead God's people to praise Him.

The Second reading or Epistle from 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24  It contains a closing series of brief exhortations from the Apostle Paul. In particular for this season, it refers to remaining faithful until the coming of Christ.

The Gospel from John 1:6-8, 19-28 is one of the accounts of the ministry and purpose of John the Baptist. John is a witness to the one who will come after him. His role is to prepare the way for the Lord, to point to the true Light. During Advent, may we also bear witness to the Light in a sin-darkened world as we prepare ourselves and others for the coming of Christ.