Wednesday, January 1, 2025
Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God
The Octave Day of Christmas
New Year’s Day
(click here to listen to or read today’s scriptures)
First day
When eight days were completed for his circumcision, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
Many of us have a busy Christmas season, which follows a supposed-to-be-but-isn’t quiet Advent season, and now the New Year is upon us, after another two days of celebration. These are the times that try women’s souls, at least those who are homemakers and take the holiday responsibilities upon themselves.
Mary must also have been very busy in those eight days leading up to her baby boy’s circumcision rite, settling into a more permanent home in Bethlehem perhaps, fixing meals for three instead of two with whatever Joseph could provide, getting to know Joseph’s relatives, his uncles, his aunts, his cousins in the city of David where they all came from.
At the same time I imagine she pondered all that had happened in her heart, as Luke tells us. Her heart was full. Her relationship with God was personal, then intimate, sharing the same flesh and blood. Mary became theotokos, Mother of God. She knew God like no one had ever known him, as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Not taking anything away from Joseph, but God was not just her father, he was her heavenly husband.
Jesus would say later that the Kingdom of heaven was at hand. For Mary it arrived in Bethlehem. She dwelt in heaven alongside earth. I don’t know how much of that we can experience ourselves, but we can watch her in wonder and learn to love God the way she loved God.
As proof that you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying out “Abba, Father!” So you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son then also an heir, through God.
Two days ago former President Jimmy Carter died, age 100, after a year in hospice. No previous US president lived to be 100. I imagine the bedside scene as he said goodbye to his family. Then I think of Jesus saying goodbye (sort of) to his mother when he was on the cross. Many sobbing, all sad, Jesus and Jimmy were looking ahead rather than behind. The headlines were about his goodness, perseverance and generosity.
“Jimmy Carter was right about Materialism, but Alas, wrong about us.”
“Jimmy Carter will be remembered for his decency.”
“Remembering Carter: A President with a moral compass.”
“Carter’s life was characterized by a dedication to human rights.”
“President Carter left behind a legacy as a dogged peacemaker.”
“Unwavering.”
“We did not deserve this man …”
This is wonderful testimony. It’s a long way from the fallout after he told Playboy magazine’s interviewer, “I have committed adultery in my heart.” That nearly lost him the election in 1976, but he maintained his integrity and his honesty when he spoke the truth out loud for all the world to hear.
My mom and dad visited Plains, Georgia in 1999, three years before Jimmy Carter received the Nobel Peace Prize. Jimmy was born, raised, and retired in Plains, and he taught Sunday School there nearly every week. Mom and Dad got to church early enough to get into his class that Sunday, which was always full with a line outside.
Dan and Liz, pastors at our Vineyard Church in Mahomet, Illinois close each service with Moses’ benediction. Jimmy Carter, like Moses, like Dan and Liz, always prayed over his friends – prayed over everyone in his class. He also prayed Moses’ benediction.
The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious unto you.
The Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.
(Numbers 6, Psalm 67, Galatians 4, Hebrews 1, Luke 2)
(posted at www.davesandel.net)
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