January 1st - Reflection

The Name of Jesus
Luke 2:15-21 (NRSV)
The child is named Jesus

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us." So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

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.

Reflection
Sometimes it's easy to forget, when we get caught up in New Year celebrations, that this is the Christmas season. Advent is over, Epiphany has yet to arrive. It's Christmas. So we look back once again to the story of Jesus' birth. We reflect on glorifying God for his gift to all people. And as Jesus lives in this world, it would be time for names and circumcision.

After the birth of Jesus, Mary was unclean for seven days. Mary was to remain home for a total of forty days before a sacrifice would be offered. Jesus was the firstborn of Mary, holy and consecrated to God. Jesus belonged to Mary, yet Jesus belonged to God. Jesus was God. Circumcision was a festive occasion when Jesus would enter the covenant of Abraham. Time for a meal and joy.

So here we have the Son of God in this world. Jesus mission was known by the Father. Jesus would save all people. Through faith in the life and acts of Jesus we all become children of Abraham. We all become kindred with Jesus our Savior and our brother and our God. In the name of Jesus, given by the angel and action given by God before the world, we have a Savior.

God was thinking about you and me even before we were born, even before we existed, even before our time. What an awesome plan God must have in store for me and for you. What an awesome love God has for each one of us. Will you be that child of Abraham? Will you believe and grow in faith? Or will you turn and run? Believe and see you Savior. See Jesus become your life, your way and your guide. Believe and start the journey.

The journey for Jesus was tough. Your journey will be tough. But the walk and the destination is worth it all. Jesus, Savior, brother and God. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, I know now that I've been on your mind. I know now of the love you have given. I know only in part the dimension of it all. You amaze me. You love me and I believe. Yes I believe in you, for you have called me by name. --- Amen