The Circumcision and the Name of Jesus- 1 January- Luke 2:21; Philippians 2:9

The first of January has been associated with several liturgical observances in the history of the Church. From at least the 800's, the Roman rite commemorated Christ's Circumcision on this eighth day of Christmas. Books of Common Prayer from 1549 through 1928 in the US and 1962 in Canada continued this emphasis. Stressing Christ's circumcision fits in with the reality of the Incarnation. Jesus of Nazareth, God the Son, was a real Jewish male. He humbled Himself, continued the covenant with Abraham, Moses and David, and came to fulfill all righteousness. 

Another emphasis on this day is the name of Jesus. Some recent Anglican calendars have made this the title of the feast, but one also finds an emphasis on the name in the traditional Epistle and Gospel.  In the Epistle from Philippians 2:9, we read, "God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow..." In St. Luke 2:21 , we read that at the circumcision the child "was called Jesus, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb."  Of course, Jesus (Greek IESOU, Aramaic YESHUA) was a common Jewish name, meaning "The LORD saves." In the case of this holy child, the common name takes on special significance. This child born in Bethlehem is the Lord Himself come to save His people. And Christ's work in the heavenly Father's plan for human salvation is what gives Him a name above every name. What better way for us to begin the New Year than by praising His holy name and giving thanks for the salvation that has come in the Christ Child!

Christmas 2021- Luke 2: 10-11

In St. Luke 2:10-11 we read, "And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."

These words of Scripture tell us what we celebrate. Christmas is more than a nostalgic winter festival; it is the proclamation of "good tidings of great joy," that is, the Feast of the Nativity preaches the Christian Gospel. It is the message of God the Son coming into the world to save sinful human beings. If we miss that point, the holiday has no real meaning. So let us acknowledge our need for this Savior, and let us confess our faith in the Christ who has come among us so humbly! Glory be to God on high!

St. Thomas the Apostle- 21 December

It may seem strange that the Feast of the Apostle Thomas occurs so closely before Christmas. The exact reason for the date is buried in ancient Christian history. It may be related to an event such as date of martyrdom, moving of relics, or dedication of a church in his name. Whatever the historical detail, there is also a theological point. Thomas points us to the importance and meaning of Christ's Incarnation, 

Of course, on the Sunday of the Resurrection. Thomas did not see the risen Christ, and he was doubtful. A week later, Thomas did see Jesus when He came to the disciples. Then the doubting apostle made a very strong confession of faith; he affirmed Jesus the Christ as "My Lord and my God" (St. John 20:28).

Thomas is an example that Christ can overcome doubt and use former doubters as faithful witnesses. Thomas is an especially strong witness to the Incarnation when he exclaims that Jesus is Lord and God. As another Advent draws to a close, may we think about these words and their meaning for us. We are not celebrating the birth of just any baby. The Christ Child is unique. Christians share Thomas' affirmation that Jesus is our Lord and God come in human flesh!

Advent IV- John 1: 19-28

The Gospel from St. John 1:19-28 is a second Advent passage about John the Baptist. When questioned about his role, John only claims to be "the voice of one crying in the wilderness" (John 1:23; Isaiah 40:3). He is one who makes the way ready for the Lord. 

This Gospel reminds us that the way for the Messiah or Christ must be prepared. Many people put great effort into the mundane preparation of the season, but they neglect the religious preparations. If we really wish to appreciate the meaning of Christmas, we should spend some special time on spirituality in the next week. We need to read Holy Scripture and pray. We also should meditate about our need for a Savior and the ways that He keeps coming to us. Such serious preparations can help us find true joy in the good news of the Incarnation.

December Ember Days

In the traditional Books of Common Prayer, the Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday after December 13 (the commemoration of St. Lucy) are Ember Days (see 1928 BCP, p. li). These seasonal days of prayer seem to have originated at Rome by at least the third century. In the early Middle Ages, the days also became associated with ordinations.

In the 1662 Book of Common Prayer, two Ember Day prayers for those to be ordained were included among the general prayers. The 1928 Book of Common Prayer added a general prayer for the increase of the ministry and a proper collect and lessons for Ember Days (p. 260). The Collect for the Day focuses on the increase of candidates for ministry rather than on actual ordinations. There are also readings for Morning and Evening Prayer in the daily lectionary for the third week of Advent.

Advent III- The Messenger- Matthew 11: 2-10

In traditional Books of Common Prayer, the Gospels for both the Third and Fourth Sundays in Advent deal with John the Baptist. For this Sunday, the emphasis is upon John as the messenger of the Lord (Matthew 11:2-10). In a sense, John the Baptist was the last of the Hebrew prophets, but he was also more than an average prophet. He was a special messenger sent to be the forerunner of the Messiah. He prepared the way by proclaiming a message of repentance, forgiveness and renewal.

Of course, John the Baptist was a unique figure in the history of salvation, but he was also an example for us. Although Jesus the Christ has come and accomplished His redemptive work, that work has to be applied to human lives again and again. As Christians, we are to continue being messengers of repentance, forgiveness and renewal. Advent is a season to remind us to continue John's preparatory work. In ways appropriate to our circumstances, each of us is called to apply the ancient message to our lives and to the lives of those around us.