Happy New Year
Scripture: Luke 2:21
When eight days had passed, Jesus’ parents circumcised him and gave him the name Jesus. This was the name given to him by the angel before he was conceived.
Thought for the Day: There is so little said about the childhood of Jesus, and so what is said should be understood as important. It is doubtful that the Gospel writers shared any of the information just because they wanted to fill pages. This isn’t like that first term paper where you couldn’t imagine getting eight pages of material – so there was lots of fluff. The authors of the Gospels had a reason for including each piece, and though we may not always understand the why, it encourages us to look a bit deeper and ask good questions. This single verse emphasizes the faithfulness of Mary and Joseph. They followed both tradition (circumcision on the 8th day) and the voice of God (the divine messengers who provided the name of the child). Though maybe I’m reading a bit too much into the verse, there appears to be a balance being suggested — a balance between a strong historic foundation and the power of God to speak something unique in the present. Those who seek the child savior must allow themselves to be connected to both the past and the present if they desire to be relevant for the future. Of course, some of the greatest tension within Christianity is found in which area is emphasized the most. I do not have a specific answer to exactly how much of each is right, but I tend to believe God is able to use both to shape and transform both individuals and the world. As we begin this new year, let us be mindful of the strong historic foundation found in scripture and tradition while also listening to what God might be saying to us in this very moment of time.
Prayer: Thank you, O Gift of God! Thank you to the Christ Child whose life is strengthened by tradition but never fully controlled by this tradition. Your life spoke of the importance of the past but also revealing something new. Be gracious to me as I seek to be faithful to your ways. Amen.
NEXY SUNDAY
Single Service at 10:30am
Camel Walk at 10:00am
