January is the month of the Holy Name of Jesus, which means God saves. I love that January 1st is the Octave Day of Christmas, the day of our blessed Lord's circumcision, where He first shed His Precious Blood for us, according to the Law, and is given the name JESUS, the Holy Name told to St. Joseph (Matt 20-23):
But after he had pondered these things, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to embrace Mary as your wife, for the One conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a Son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.”
All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:
“Behold, the virgin will be with child
and will give birth to a son,
and they will call Him Immanuel”
(which means, “God with us”).
All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:
“Behold, the virgin will be with child
and will give birth to a son,
and they will call Him Immanuel”
(which means, “God with us”).
Even one drop would've been sufficient to save us all but He chose to give ALL 33 years later on Calvary. I developed a devotion to the Precious Blood of Jesus a couple of years ago and was surprised that our Lord's Circumcision isn't included. I do as a matter of habit because it was when His Holy Name was given and so often, His Name alone is my prayer. I hope to die with Jesus upon my lips.
It is also the Feast of the Maternity of Mary, Virgin Mother of God. It is all still so much a mystery to me, this Infant, who created His own mother. Of course, she'd be perfect!
A blessed and happy New Year! May it be filled with love and laughter, joy and peace, in all that you do. And words! My words for this year are Heal, Restore, Renew. Here I am with my sister--we got to sing together for two Masses. (Holy Family and Feast of the Circumcision).
