Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God- The Octave Day of Christmas
Circumcision of the flesh was replaced by circumcision of the spirit
The Solemnity of Mary, is a feast day of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, Jesus Christ, whom she had circumcised on the eighth day after his birth according to Levitical Law.
An Octave, derived from Latin octava is eight. In Christianity, it is the eighth day after a feast. It is also the whole period of these eight days, during which certain major feasts are observed
The octave of Christmas is celebrated as an eight-day feast which begins on the Nativity, Dec. 25, and continues to January 1. According to Jewish law, circumcision is the physical representation of the covenant between God and Abraham described in the Old Testament and is required for the inclusion of males in the Jewish faith. Newborn boys are circumcised in a traditional ceremony on the 8th day after birth:
March 25, nine months before Christmas, is the date that is often associated with the Annunciation to Mary, Gabriel’s announcement to Mary that, by the coming of the Spirit upon her, she would conceive and bear the heir to David’s throne, whose kingdom would have no end.
[ ] Through the disobedience of Adam sin enters the world. Rom. 5:12
[ ] The Father sends His Son to save the world. Jn. 3:17
[ ] The Angel Gabriel is sent to a virgin named Mary. Lk. 1:26,27
[ ] The Angel tells Mary: “You are to have a Son and will name Him Jesus.” Lk. 1:31
[ ] He is the Son of God. Lk. 1:32
Mary consents: “Let it be done to me.” Lk. 1:38
[ ] God the Son becomes Man, in obedience to His Father. Lk. 1:35
[ ] By His obedience many shall be saved. Rom. 5:19
[ ] Mary becomes Mother of God. Lk. 1:35
[ ] Nothing is impossible with God. Lk. 1:37
Nativity– December 25
[ ] In Bethlehem will be born He Who is to rule my people. Micah 5:2
[ ] Joseph and Mary leave Nazareth to register in Bethlehem. Lk. 2
[ ] There, Mary gives birth to the Son of God. Lk. 2:7
[ ] Mary lays Him in a manger, because there is no room for Him in the inn. Lk. 2:7
[ ] Angels announce to shepherds nearby: “The Savior is born.” Lk. 2:10,11
[ ] Angels sing: “Peace to men of good will.” Lk. 2:14
Presentation of the Lord
[ ] When the Child Jesus is eight days old, He is circumcised. Lk. 2:21
[ ] And his parents name Him Jesus. Lk. 2:21
[ ] The name of Jesus is the only name by which we can be saved. Acts 4:12
[ ] “Ask the Father anything in My Name. He will give it to you.” Jn. 16:23
[ ] Lord, You are good and forgiving to all who call upon Your Name. Ps. 86:5
[ ] Joseph and Mary take Jesus to Jerusalem to present Him to God. Lk. 2:22
[ ] Simeon, a holy man, foretells: “This Child is destined for the fall and rise of many.” Lk. 2:34
[ ] “Your own soul a sword shall pierce.” Lk. 2:35
[ ] Joseph and Mary take Jesus to their hometown of Nazareth. Lk. 2:39
[ ] Whatever you do, do all in the Name of Jesus. Col. 3:17
While Catholic theology emphasizes that God’s covenant with the Jewish people remains valid: according to an epistle of Cyprian of Carthage, circumcision of the flesh was replaced by circumcision of the spirit, Saint Paul argues true circumcision is not physical but spiritual: “For, as it is written, “Because of you the name of God is reviled among the Gentiles.” Circumcision, to be sure, has value if you observe the law; but if you break the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision. Again, if an uncircumcised man keeps the precepts of the law, will he not be considered circumcised? Indeed, those who are physically uncircumcised but carry out the law will pass judgment on you, with your written law and circumcision, who break the law. One is not a Jew outwardly. True circumcision is not outward, in the flesh. Rather, one is a Jew inwardly, and circumcision is of the heart, in the spirit, not the letter; his praise is not from human beings but from God” Romans chapter 2:24-29
Ways to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary in this her feast day: Pray the Rosary, Pray the Divine Office (3-5 times during the day, Spend Time in Reflection, Visit a Marian Shrine. Attend a Mass.
