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.
Luke 2:21
Lord Jesus, not much is written or known about that eight days from Your birth until Your circumcision. The Word is quiet regarding that time. Though my mind’s eye races through all kinds of scenarios, often fancifully believing that You were the perfect baby (which You were), I know that You cried like all babies cry. You soiled Yourself like all babies soil themselves. You were given a sleep regiment like all babies are given a sleep schedule. You discovered the world like all babies discover the world. Yet, Your mother and father knew there was something divinely special about You. They didn’t fully know what it was. But You came into their lives and their lives were irrevocably changed. And in that eight days, I know their hearts burst with awe and wonder as they looked upon Your sweet, innocent face, amazed that such a blessed gift had been given to them. And to think, You would be with them forever!
Lord, though the fanfare of Christmas Day is gone – it’s clean up day – I’m settling into the quiet of the “after” where I get back into the routines of life, where everything goes back to being like “all other.” Yet, today my soul grasps hold of the reality of those eight days where Joseph and Mary’s lives were allowed to privately celebrate the introduction of their Child into their life. It was a time just between them and You. Supremely intimate, it reflects the sweet solitude that we all have with You, a space where prying eyes and nosey ears can never invade. It is that space that the songwriter speaks of when they declare, “I go to the garden alone.” And today, I rush to it Lord, embracing and holding You close, uttering no words, just holding You. My soul just needs to embrace You, looking upon You in awe, reflecting upon how blessed I am to have You in my life. Thank You, Jesus, for loving me. Amen.