Eve of the Circumcision and Name of Jesus

December 31, 2025Today's Reading: Luke 12:35-40Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 60:1-22; Luke 1:39-56“Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes…You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” (Luke 12:37, 40)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Awake and ready! These are the words our Lord Jesus uses to describe the mission of His disciples, you and I included. In other words, Christ Jesus has served us with His everlasting love and mercy given on the cross, and He has summoned us to Christian vigilance. How different it is in the world on this day they call “New Year's Eve.” The past is drowned in licentiousness and over-indulgence in libations, the future is ushered in with revelry, and the next day brings the same old-same old. The same sinner led astray by the same sins and the same empty promises. Christian vigilance is different, though; it is a sanctified sobriety! When we hear the word “sober,” it’s easy to think it means somber, overly serious, or no fun. But go back to those words of our Lord, “Awake and ready.” To be awake means your eyes are open; open to the truth of the Gospel, open to the truth of what is pleasing in the sight of the Lord, and open to the joy of eternity with Christ. You are not lulled with the sleep of sin or the numbing pleasures of a passing era because your eyes are on the splendid promise of Christ Jesus. To be ready means that your eyes are not only opened, but you are dressed in your baptismal identity as servants of righteousness. Your belt tightened, your lamp of faith lit, and your hands ready to serve Him in the places He has given you responsibility. Jesus is not calling us to earn our salvation in watchfulness, but to live as those who by grace, belong to Jesus the master, and to live as those who know the joy that is coming. For when the Master returns, it is He who will dress Himself in action and serve us. This passage is not just a warning; it is a joyful promise of what is to come. He will serve us with resurrected bodies. He will serve us by gathering us unto His presence forever. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.“Wake, awake, for night is flying,” The watchmen on the heights are crying; “Awake, Jerusalem, arise!” Midnight hears the welcome voices And at the thrilling cry rejoices; “Oh, where are ye, ye virgins wise?” The Bridegroom comes, awake! Your lamps with gladness take! Alleluia! With bridal care Yourselves prepare To meet the Bridegroom, who is near.” (LSB 516:1)Author: Rev. Matthew Synnott, associate pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, Peoria, Illinois.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.Work through the first ten chapters of Matthew and learn more about who Jesus is. As you move through this study, you’ll ponder the theological, practical, and historical considerations of the text. With ample room for personal notes, this study will have you feeling confident in your understanding of Matthew’s Gospel. Matthew 1:1-11:1 of the new Concordia Commentary Bible Study Series is available now.