On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise Him, He was named Jesus, the name the angel had given Him before He had been conceived. Luke 2:21

A blessed new year in Jesus our Lord! The Irish rock band U2’s hit single “New Year’s Day” echoes the world’s divisions and the bloodshed they cause. It has a refrain of sorts: “Nothing changes on New Year’s Day.” It may seem that way to us too. We wake up to a new year, yet we still hear stories of hurt, of suffering, of bloodshed. Many are feeling the pain of the loss of a loved one to bloodshed, especially in the midst of this holy Christmastide.

But something does change on New Year’s Day. Eight days after Jesus was born, He was circumcised. His blood was first shed on this day. Shed to fulfill the requirements of God’s covenant. Shed that He might be the perfect Son for us before the Father. Shed as a precursor to His blood being poured out on the cross for our forgiveness, for the world’s life.

His shed blood comes to us in His Holy Supper, not to cause us to mourn, but to lead us to rejoice that His blood brings us forgiveness, life, and salvation. In His shed blood is our peace for the New Year and forever.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, pour out Your grace upon this new year, that we might ever be found covered by the blood of Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

My Bold Action for Today: With whomever you gather on this holiday, pray for peace in the places of the world torn apart by war and strife.
Rev. Warren Hamp

Today's Bible Readings: Genesis 1-3    Matthew 1

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