All On the Eighth Day Done

A symbol of belonging, a sign of promise made;
To show the child’s true nation, this mark on flesh was made. 
So Joseph and young Mary brought forth their firstborn son
For rite of circumcision, all on the eighth day done.

Across the generations, preserved like holy flame, 
This sacred rite of passage gave this small child his name:
A name not from his father, but from the Holy One - 
They named this infant Jesus, all on the eighth day done.

This name his earthly father received in holy dream
Meant more than earthly favor or family esteem:
It marked this child as holy, a new thing now begun, 
God’s holy self revealing, all on the eighth day done.

 

 

TEXT: Charles Spence Freeman, January 2023, after Luke 2:21.

MUSIC: Tune SALLEY GARDENS, Irish folk melody.

 

 

 

Today (1/1/23) I learned that the eighth day of Christmas also marks the Feast of the Holy Name, marking the infant Jesus's circumcision and ritual naming. That provided a workable theme for musical mediation and meditation for day eight of twelve.