The Twelve Days of Christmas: The Eighth Day/New Year's Day (optional)

Preparing for the Second Sunday after Christmas: One Day Before Sunday (Year C)

Scripture

Old Testament: Numbers 6:22-27

Psalter: Psalm 8

Epistle: Galatians 4:4-7 or Philippians 2:5-11

Gospel: Luke 2:15-21

Prayer

Light of life, you came in flesh, born into human pain and joy, and gave us power to be your children. Grant us faith, O Christ, to see your presence among us, so that all of creation may sing new songs of gladness and walk in the way of peace. Amen.

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New Year’s Day (optional)

Scripture

Old Testament: Ecclesiastes 3:1-13

Psalter: Psalm 8

Epistle: Revelation 21:1-6a

Gospel: Matthew 25:31-46

Prayer

God of new beginnings, you wipe away our tears and call us to care for one another. Give us eyes to see your gifts, hearts to embrace all creation, and hands to serve you every day of our lives. We ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

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Reflection

January 1st is the Eighth Day of Christmas. The eight maids a-milking symbolize the beatitudes given by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5:1-12:

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:

‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.’

‘Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.’

‘Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.’

‘Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.’

‘Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.’

‘Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.’

‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.’

‘Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’;’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.’

‘Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.’

The Eighth Day of Christmas is also the feast of Mary, the Mother of God, one of many feast days reserved for Jesus' mother.

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