When we use words like “love,” people often have a warm feeling.  When we picture Mary and Joseph in the stable with Jesus in the manger, we likewise have a warm feeling about this idyllic scene.  In many ways this is true.  A Child is born.  There perils of Mary giving birth are over.  The comfort and encouragement of the shepherds and their report of what the angel said were surely welcome to both Mary and Joseph.

We are now on the eighth day of Christmas.  On that eighth day Mary and Joseph went to Jerusalem, to the temple, and there he was circumcised.  In a way this is a reality check for us.

  • The blood of Jesus was shed for the first time.
  • It showed that He was born as one of us to live under the law so that He could redeem us who live under the law.
  • It emphasizes the fact that He is true man, and that as such He came to suffer what we suffer and to die our death – the death of sinners.
  • With the circumcision of Christ we are reminded that His State of Humiliation has begun.  With the giving of His NAME as Jesus He is declared to all to be our SAVIOR – with all that means.  To be our savior cost Him the cross and the wrath of God, and has given us the gift of life and salvation.

It’s all in the name!