8 Days

Luke 2:16-21:

The shepherds went in haste to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child. All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told to them. When eight days were completed for his circumcision, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

Blog:

Why is it Jewish tradition to circumcise their Sons on the eighth day of their lives?  Is it merely arbitrary?  Perhaps the presentation of Jewish Sons on day 8 seemed about the “right” amount of time to the Jewish Nation?  To Moses?  To Abraham?  To St. Mary and St. Joseph?  As with most things in the Bible, the number “8” is not arbitrary, but has a very deep meaning – beyond anything our earthly minds can comprehend.  We know that the number “6” is an imperfect number usually associated with evil and wrong (e.g. satan’s number being “666”).  We also know that “7” is the perfect number – and the reason why many Christians use the symbol of “777” to signify Holiness and Belief.  What many folks in this world miss is the number “8”.  For many who have studied mathematics, the “8” looks very close to the symbol used for “infinity” – only, the number “8” is standing-tall as opposed to (infinity) laying-down on its side.  Christianity has long recognized the number “8” as being Eternal, Infinite, and, more easily said, as God’s number.  The Jewish presentation on the eighth day is when the Son is presented before God.  It’s a Blessing and the corresponding circumcision of the Son’s foreskin on his penis, represents God’s “Mark” on the Child.  It sets the Child apart from many other boys and men who are uncircumcised.  St. Mary and St. Joseph knew that they had to bring the Baby Jesus to the Temple to be Blessed by God on His eighth day on the other side of the Virgin’s Womb.  Jesus received the “Mark” of God just like Christians (Boys and Girls) today receive the “Mark” of God that is made on their heads in Baptism. So, let those of us who are Baptized in Him remember Whose “Mark” is already on our foreheads.  For the only way for us to take the “mark” of the beast is to, like Esau, forfeit our Title within the Royal Court with God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit in Heaven.