For many, January 1st is the final celebration in our “Happy Holidays.” The last holiday before returning to work or school. So, there is not much special outside the Rose Parade and college bowl games. Or is there?
In the world of the Church we have had much to celebrate on this day. From the earliest times, January 1 was considered part of the Octave of Christmas. The Church still maintains this Tradition (yes, a capital “T”) and celebrates with special readings, hymns, and prayers during these eight days of rejoicing in the birth of Jesus.
From 1568 to 1960 this day was known as the Circumcision of the Lord. As a young child, I wondered why such an event was so important to be on the Church’s calendar. It was the eighth day after birth that the child was taken to the Temple and the name was pronounced. Recall the angel spoke to Mary and Joseph and told them that the child was to be called Jesus (the name in Hebrew that means “he who saves”) because he will save mankind from their sins.
From 1960 on, the Church officially dropped this name for January 1 and replaced it with the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. This change came closely after the pronouncement of the Feast of Mary’s assumption into heaven. It harkens back to the fourth century understanding of Mary as the “theotokos” in Greek, or the “bearer of God.” The church wanted to venerate Our Mother as the one who cooperated with God’s plan for human salvation and to honor her in her rightful place as the who bore Jesus into the world.
As if this day did not have enough to celebrate, fifty years ago Pope Paul VI declared January 1 as the World Day of Peace. Long known as the “Peaceful Pope” Paul wrote and spoke some of the strongest doctrines on peace that humanity has ever seen. This day we celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of his proclamation and observe its special character with liturgies in certain locations.
Lastly, this day we kick off this Sunday as the beginning of Migration Week in which we are called to remember those forced to flee their homelands in search of employment, food, shelter, or to escape persecution, terrorism, or to simply find the basics of life. This week we hear in our readings how Herod was set on killing baby Jesus out of fear that his way of life may be threatened and his power usurped. We hear how Joseph fled with Mary and Jesus to Egypt. They were migrants. We can only imagine the stress, fear, and hardships they endured in our Lord’s youngest days. We have compassion for them. Should we not also have compassion for those who migrate today? New Year’s Day—much to celebrate! May yours be a year of favor in Our Lord.
Deacon Tim Crooker