January 1st, 2017
The Rev. Michael Meyer
Faith Lutheran Church
Wylie, TX
Luke 2:21
Grace, Mercy and Peace from God our Father, and from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
I didn’t do the research, but I have a hunch that our Gospel reading this morning is one of the shortest that you’ll find in the lectionary. In just 28 words, St. Luke tells you a lot about Jesus and about you. So, turn your attention away from yourself and the world and hear again the Word of The Lord.
“And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.” Luke 2:21
The eighth day, the day of the resurrection, the day of new birth, the male child was to be circumcised in order to fulfill the command of The Lord. For the Lord said to Moses, “Speak to the children of Israel saying, ‘…And on the eighth day the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised.'” (Leviticus 12:3)
Thus, the covenant of circumcision was given to Abraham to mark the people with the sign of The Lord as His chosen nation.
Circumcision means to cut away. Remove. It was an outward sign of cleanliness which marked the boy as one claimed by God. Bloody and messy, it served as a painful reminder of how original sin is passed via conception from father to child, and yet at the same time, it gave the promise of God to the boy. The promise that he was a member of God’s chosen nation, numbered among those who were set apart by God from the world.
It was the Nation of Israel to whom God gave His Name; and told Moses and Aaron to bless. It was Israel who bore the Name of God.
And Jesus, our Immanuel, at the tender age of eight days old is already fulfilling the law on our behalf. His earthly father and beloved mother bring him to the Temple in order to keep the covenant established between God and Abraham. Jesus is presented to be circumcised and to receive the Name that is already his. Such is his love for you, that every bit of the law would be fulfilled – none of it would be left undone.
Just eight days old and Jesus sheds His Blood for you and for all mankind. The Blood of Christ flows and by it you are saved. By this Blood you are blessed.
For according to the Law of God, you deserve only wrath and punishment for your sins. In sin did your mother conceive you and despite all the self justifying and excuses you continue to fall into the same exact sins that haunted you yesterday and the day before. The wages of sin is death and the worker, you, is due his wages.
Repent! But do not despair.
God’s thoughts are not your thoughts and his ways are not your ways. His way is to save you; to redeem you a lost and condemned person. His way is to purchase you from death and the devil, not with gold or silver, but with his holy, precious and innocent blood. You cannot save yourself. Your works, emotions, knowledge, nothing by your hand will save you. Thus God intervenes and sends His only-begotten Son, Jesus to stand in your place. Jesus receives everything you deserve for your sins. His Blood was poured out for you. Jesus was the one Circumcised on your behalf. He was cut-off by the Father. Forsaken.
Jesus is the one who suffered for you, whose watery steps from the river Jordan led him to Golgotha. Jesus is the one who died on the cross for you. Jesus is the one who was Baptized with the fire of His Father’s wrath against your sins. He drank that cup, so that you might drink the cup of life.
It is the Name of Jesus that saves you. There is no other Name in heaven or on earth by which you are saved. He is your salvation. He is the Lamb of God provided in the thorns and thickets of this fallen world, nailed to the altar of the tree. Jesus is the One whose Name is written across your forehead and upon your soul in Holy Baptism along with the Father’s and the Holy Spirit’s.
It is the Blood of this eight day old baby that covers your soul. His Blood forgives your sins. Remember the words of Isaiah and the promises of The Lord to you, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” (Is. 1:18)
The little Child named Jesus is the One who has washed away all your iniquity in Holy Baptism. With him you have died to sin and daily rise to walk in newness of life, to do all those good works that he has prepared for you; all those good works of changing diapers, going to work, providing for your family and serving your neighbor.
And when you falter; when your struggle with the same old sins of anger or laziness, or any others that might haunt you, it is the righteousness of Jesus that covers you like a cloak. You are holy because Jesus is holy.
So, seek the Lord where he may be found! Yes, his blood is already painted on your hearts, but it is also given to you this day. For the Blood of this Jesus, shed first on the eight day and finally on the cross, the true blood of Jesus, the crucified and risen Savior is given to you as a pledge that He will come back. It pours down your throat to forgive your sins and give you life and salvation. You are not alone. You are neither forgotten nor forsaken. You are his beloved – holy, righteous and precious in his sight. So Rejoice ye Christians loudly, for our joy hath now begun; wondrous things our God hath done. Tell abroad His goodness proudly who our race hath honored thus that He deigns to dwell with us.
In the Name of the Father and + of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
The peace of God which surpasses all understanding keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.