Our New Beginning
Today’s Verse:
Luke 2:21 ESV
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.
On this first day of the New Year, we reflect on fresh starts and new beginnings. Luke 2:21 tells of a pivotal moment in Jesus’ life: His circumcision and naming. This act marked Him as a part of God’s covenant people and revealed the fulfillment of His divine identity through the name Jesus, meaning “The Lord saves.”
The timing of this event—eight days after His birth—reminds us of the biblical significance of the number eight, often representing renewal and new creation. As we step into a new year, we are reminded that in Christ, we, too, are part of a new creation. Through our baptism, we have been given a new name and identity as children of God.
Jesus’ circumcision also points forward to the ultimate sacrifice He would make for our salvation. Even as a baby, He began to bear the weight of the Law on our behalf, fulfilling every requirement so we could be free. His name, Jesus, is a constant reminder of God’s grace and mercy, assuring us that our salvation is not something we achieve but something we receive through Him.
As we embrace the new year, let us also embrace the promise of new life in Christ. The turning of the calendar reminds us of the hope we have in Him, whose mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). Just as Jesus received His name and identity on the eighth day, we are called to walk daily in the identity He has given us—redeemed, loved, and saved.
Prayers
A Prayer for Today:
Heavenly Father, as we begin this new year, we thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus, whose name reminds us of Your saving grace. Help us to live each day in the identity You have given us as Your beloved children. Renew our hearts and guide our steps so that we may walk in faith, hope, and love. In the name of Jesus, we pray Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
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