9th Day of Christmas: Most Precious Gift
And when eight days were completed for the circumcision of the Child, His name was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.
Now when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”), and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, “A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”
—From Luke 2:21–24 (NKJV)
“The true privilege of firstborns we first see as shadows in Scripture, as if in a mirror fogged with mist.”
Reflection
The time of gift-giving has passed, the parties over, returns complete. Have the post-holiday blues begun to set in? “Are we looking for joy in all the wrong places?” Join us in asking: What can I give?
Celebrate Together
Gather the family for today’s Celebration in our book, The Joy of Advent. Explore why Mary and Joseph brought two turtledoves instead of a lamb when presenting Jesus as an infant, delve into the Jesse Tree symbol of two turtledoves, discover the history behind today’s carol, and enjoy a family conversation (or private journaling) about being children of the Most High King.
Today’s Jesse Tree Symbol:
Two Turtledoves remind us of the offering brought by Mary and Joseph.
Inspiration
The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple
James Tissot, 1886–1894. Infant Jesus with Simeon and Anna.
Music
Once in Royal David’s City reminds us of the reason for our season of celebration. [Play Video]
Reflect as you enjoy Breath of Heaven, Mary’s Song that this young woman gave herself over entirely to God. [Play Video]
Prayer
O God Almighty, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Your only begotten Son, give me a body unstained, a pure heart, a watchful mind, and an upright understanding, and the presence of Your Holy Spirit, that I may obtain and ever hold fast to an unshaken faith in Your Truth, through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord; through whom be glory to You in the Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen.
(From The Clementine Liturgy)
Resources
Enjoy a printable coloring page of Jesus's Presentation.
Would you like to make Jesse Tree ornaments to accompany your readings? Find tutorials and ideas from simple to advanced at our Jesse Tree Ornaments Pinterest board.
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