The Feast of the Circumcision of Christ

Yes, yes - Happy New Year. While this is the day that the world celebrates the turning of their calendars (that which Christians did at Advent), today is a day also not insignificant to Christ's Holy Church. January 1 has historically marked for Christians the feast in which we celebrate the circumcision and naming of Jesus. (Some Christians now separate the celebrations of Christ's circumcision and His naming, but I'll spare the details.) For those unfamiliar with this Feast Day, allow me to simply argue that when I say "historically," I refer to my own limited research pointing to this Holy Day being honored as early as the mid 6th century through today. Such is impressive in the scope of faithful believers whom we celebrate with.

Truly, this is a magnificent day. As was Jewish custom, it was during circumcision that a boy received his name. Note the significance that looms in the first shedding of blood of the Christ who is at that time proclaimed with the name Jesus, Savior. First, there is indeed much to explore regarding the soteriological implications of this first shedding of the Lamb. Additionally, we could support at least a pint or two relating our discussion to Christian baptism and God's working through covenants. Thirdly, our conversation would necessitate the inclusion of language regarding the Incarnation and Christ's humiliation. However, I will fight the temptation to do so here and will merely speak a note to the first, that traditionally it has been viewed that redemption through Christ began at His circumcision. A constant within Patristic writings is the belief that this shedding of blood was, in a sense, a downpayment or a first installment upon the redemption of mankind.

Glory be to God. Praise Him this day who became Incarnate and shed His divine blood for the remission of our sin.