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."
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