Readings:

Eucharistic:
Numbers 6:22-27;
Psalm 8;
Galatians 4:4-7 or Philippians 2:5-11;
Luke 2:15-21

Preface of the Incarnation

 
Daily Office:
AM Psalm 103; PM Psalm 148
Isaiah 62:1-5,10-12;
Revelation. 19:11-16;
Matthew 1:18-25

 
PRAYERS (traditional language):
 Eternal Father, who didst give to thine incarnate Son the holy name of Jesus to be the sign of our salvation: Plant in every heart, we beseech thee, the love of him who is the Savior of the world, even our Lord Jesus Christ; who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

PRAYERS (contemporary language):
Eternal Father, who 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.


Return to Lectionary Home Page

Webmaster: Charles Wohlers

Readings revised in Lesser Feasts & Fasts 2022.

Last updated: Nov. 2022
 

THE HOLY NAME OF JESUS

OR, THE CIRCUMCISION OF CHRIST

(1 JAN)
 

The Circumcision, by Signorelli
The Circumcision, by Signorelli
On January 1st, we celebrate the Circumcision of Christ. Since we are more squeamish than our ancestors, modern calendars often list it as the feast of the Holy Name of Jesus, but the other emphasis is the older. Every Jewish boy was circumcised (and formally named) on the eighth day of his life, and so, one week after Christmas, we celebrate the occasion when Our Lord first shed His blood for us. It is a fit close for a week of martyrs, and reminds us that to suffer for Christ is to suffer with Him.

by James Kiefer