January 1, 2023

Holy Name of Jesus

READINGS FOR THE COMING WEEK

• First reading
  • Numbers 6:22-27
• Psalm
  • Psalm 8
• Second reading
  • Galatians 4:4-7 or Philippians 2:5-11
• Gospel
  • Luke 2:15-21

The gospel from Luke:
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.

Notes:
Trinity Church, Boston, was completed in 1877. Its architect was H. H. Richardson, and numerous artists and craftspeople contributed to the interior design. In 1971, Trinity was designated a National Historic Landmark for “possessing “exceptional value in commemorating or illustrating the history of the United States.” This scene on the base of the pulpit shows the birth of Christ and the adoration of the shepherds.

Sermon:
Today is the first day of a new calendar year. Liturgical year C has already begun and many of our gospel readings will be from Luke. In the reading this week shepherds visit the manger in which lay the baby who after eight days is circumsized and named Jesus. A lot of history is given in a few verses. The book of Acts is believed to be have been written by Luke, making 25% of the New Testament written by him. His writing is profoundly important, and Pastor Stevenson will be pointing out and interpreting this history. It was important that Luke write it all down. In Jesus, God reveals Himself………