The Gospel of Luke 2:15-21 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.
Let us Pray the Collect for The Feast of the Holy Name: Eternal Father, you gave to your incarnate Son the holy name of Jesus to be the sign of our salvation: Plant in every heart, we pray, the love of him who is the Savior of the world, our Lord Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.
The Feast of the Holy Name is hidden in Plain Sight because January 1 is often overshadowed by the cultural noise of New Year’s celebrations, but in the Christian calendar it marks something far more intimate and profound. This moment is small, almost quiet, yet it is an turning point in history. It is the first time the world hears the name that holds the fullness of God’s saving intention. The name was not chosen by Mary or Joseph. It was given as a divine act, a revelation. It is interesting in scripture names are never labels; they are identities, destinies, and revelations of character. Jesus (Yeshua) means: God saves, The Lord is salvation, God delivers. This is not merely what Jesus does. It is who Jesus is.. It is a Name that Reveals God’s Heart On this feast, the Church pauses to contemplate the astonishing truth that God’s very identity is oriented toward mercy, rescue, and restoration. The Holy Name bridges heaven and earth. It is spoken by shepherds and kings, by sinners and saints. It is a name that dignifies the lowly and humbles the powerful. The Holy Name is a doorway into the heart of God.
Let us Pray a Prayer for the Feast of the Holy Name Holy Jesus, Name above every name, You entered our world in vulnerability, God’s saving love. Write Your name upon our hearts this year. Shape our words, our choices, our relationships so that Your mercy is made visible through us. When fear rises, let Your name be our peace. When injustice wounds, let Your name be our courage. When we falter, let Your name be our hope. Bless this new year with the power of Your presence, and make us bearers of Your compassion in all we do. Amen.
Reflections by Bob 