It is a tradition in our family that prior to the opening of Christmas gifts, we read Luke’s account of the birth of Jesus. This year, in the lulls of passing out presents, I continued reading the rest of Luke 2. In doing so, I was reminded how Luke focuses on the proper and faithful start for Jesus’ life. While not surprising given the fact that Jesus is still an infant, it is important to note that Jesus really doesn’t DO anything. He is acted upon rather than doing the acting. He is passive while others are active. What we really see in these stories are faithful parents seeking to get Jesus off to a proper and faithful start.
Luke’s account of the early life of Jesus stuck with me as the New Year approached. Mary and Joseph’s actions seem to offer guidelines on how people of faith can invest themselves in the lives of others so that they might live into their God-given potential. Given that this is a reflective time of year, it also raised questions on how I might live faithfully. Here is a simple reflection of the faithful actions of Mary and Joseph followed by how they led me to interrogate my practices.
Circumcision: This ancient Jewish rite begins with Abraham. It was a sign of the covenant between God and the people of Israel. Circumcision places the child as a member of God’s covenant people, in the purview of God’s grace and surrounded by love of the community. Within Christianity, the rite of initiation moves from circumcision to baptism. Moving beyond the liturgical rituals, this is about bringing people into the presence of God and under the influence of the Holy Spirit.
How can I bring others into the presence of God? Who could I lift up to God in prayer? Who could I reach out in Christian love as a brother or sister in faith?
Naming: While it may seem self-evident, Mary and Joseph name their new child Jesus. It is interesting that Luke notes not only the name, but the rationale behind it, “the name given by the angel.” Within many biblical narratives, names are representative of the character or future of individuals. From Matthew’s account, we know that “Jesus” points to this child’s role of savior for the world. For Mary and Joseph, they obediently name their child in a way that he can live into the role God had prepared for him.
What and how we name people affects their future. Am I naming people as God names them? Do I identify them by their potential and future or by their past and their mistakes? How can I name others in a way to open them towards their God-given potential and God-given future? (Beyond how I name others, how am I naming myself?)
Presentation and Purification: Mary and Joseph continued to follow the prescribed religious practices of their faith. After the prescribed time, they go to the temple for Mary’s purification and to present Jesus to the Lord. Three times Luke notes that this was done according to the law. While still too young to know, Jesus is being raised within the rituals of his faith. The pious practices of Mary and Joseph not only form them and deepen their faith, they create an atmosphere of faithfulness.
How might I invigorate my spiritual disciplines? Are there devotional practices that I need to adapt or adopt? Am I helping others craft a life of sacred habits so they can find a home in God’s grace?
A Nurturing Home: According to Luke, after the flurry of activity surrounding Jesus’ birth and early childhood, Mary and Joseph return home. It is probable that they continued to pursue holiness, fulfill the law of God and live faithfully. Through their nurture and example, along with the work of God within Jesus, “the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him” (Luke 2:40).
Am I living in such a way that nurtures the faith of others? Do I provide an example of faithfulness? Do my actions point towards God?
As you move into the New Year, may God bless you with faithful practices that bring you closer to the heart of God and through you, guide others deeper in the grace that God freely offers.