The Twelve Days of Christmas: Day 8
Holy Name
January 1
Reflections for the Twelve Days of Christmas
Day 8: ‘Eight Maids A-Milking’
Dear Faithful in Christ,
Grace and Peace to you on this feast of the Holy Name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Traditionally, a child was given their name upon the eighth day after their birth, as such January 1st is the feast of the Holy Name. Follow me on this eighth day of Christmastide reflections.
Day EIGHT: When I contemplate the process of gathering milk, the basic nourishment of younglings, I consider also our own basic spiritual nourishment. In Matthew’s Gospel, we find eight Beatitudes that highlight hopeful, nourishing, spiritual strength.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
This Christmastide, may we yearn for the kingdom of heaven so deeply that we are humbled. May we seek God before us each day shedding the things that stifle our view by cleansing our hearts. And may we reach out first in love, not simply as a response. Even more, may we bless those who we might see as adversaries as Saint Paul encourages in his letter to the Romans [12:14].
Excel in showing honor to our neighbor in the same way we might approach the Holy Infant’s crib as the shepherds did that Christmas morn. In lives lived faithfully and humbly, we, too, will be heirs to God’s kingdom.
Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam,
Fr. Michael
The Collect for The Holy Name
The Book of Common Prayer, 162
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.
