12 Days of Christmas/Day 8 (Jesus Dedicated in the Temple)

Because we celebrate Christmas on December 25, it makes sense to commemorate the day that Jesus was dedicated in the temple eight days later. Newborns, in ancient Israel, were to be taken to the temple in order to be circumcised on the 8th day. It was during this tradition that their name was also announced. So, although it's a mouthful, in Anglican tradition, January 1 is known as "The Feast of the Circumcision and Holy Name of Jesus."

The recognition of Jesus being circumcised reminds us that He fulfilled the requirements of the Mosaic Law. This is crucial as we look at the meaning of His name. Jesus, although a roughly common name during that time, means savior or deliverer. This played out as Jesus perfectly obeyed the statutes and the intended principles of the Law, ultimately becoming the sacrificial lamb that atoned for humanity's inability to do so on our own. In otherwords, He took our place, and was the perfect sacrifice needed to fulfill the obligations of the old covenant system. His death and resurrection ushered in a new covenant of grace through faith in Jesus' finished work on the cross.

So, although I'm not big on tackling huge life changes on January 1st (I believe we are better suited to follow the rythms of the seasons, and winter is a time of rest), I am an advocate for renewal. Taking the first day of the year to reflect upon the truth that Jesus has done everything needed to reconcile us to the Father is a beautiful thought, isn't it? It sets our hearts to be renewed in the truth that, "God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16, ESV)

Listen, there are plenty of things being taught that seem to contradict the simple truth that God loves us, and that He, Himself, came to save us because of that love. I'm not saying that it is always easy to follow Jesus. Following Jesus means that we allow Him His rightful place in our innermost being and that we are willing to allow Holy Spirit to bring about a deep sense of transformation and renewal in our hearts. It also means wading through the misinterpretations, and skewed teaching that attempts to lead us back into trying to save ourselves. But, it's also not as difficult as we make it out to be.

A name meant something in Jewish culture. It often denoted the very essense of that person. Again, although Jesus's name was common, there was only one who could live up to the meaning of that name. The work of salvation belongs to Jesus–from start to finish. And He has done all that is needed for each of us to live in His love and mercy.

Then what do we need to do? What is our part?–To turn from trying to save ourselves and to believe in the precious Name of Jesus!

"Then they said to Him, 'What must we do, to be doing the works of God?' Jesus answered them, 'This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent."

(John 6:28-29, ESV)