“On the eighth day”

Read Luke 2:21-24

.

Jesus was circumcised “on the eighth day” – New Year’s Day in our Christmas calendar. Circumcision was the defining sign that the Jews were God’s people, through whom his blessing would come to the whole world (Gen.12:2-3; 17:1-12). That promise was fulfilled in Jesus – born under Jewish law (Gal.4:4) in order to be the Saviour of all peoples, just as the name Jesus indicates (21; Luke 2:10-11; Matt.1:21).

.

Thirty-three days later, again in accordance with the law, Mary’s purification ceremony took place at the Temple (22-24; Exod.13:2,12; Lev.12:1-8). We see that the family was poor by their need to use the cheaper sacrifice of two pigeons rather than a lamb. But Jesus himself would become the sacrificial lamb who would bring cleansing from all sin and impurity (John 1:29; 1 Pet.1:18-20).

.

This ceremony was also an act of consecration of the child to God. Jesus fully demonstrated that consecration in his life, resulting in all these ceremonies becoming obsolete (Heb.8:13). But the principle of consecrating ourselves to God is therefore all the more compelling. As we go into a new year, may our own daily prayer be, “I have come to do you will, O God” (Heb.10:7).