And The Child Was Named Jesus

Speaker: Archbishop Loren Thomas Hines

January 01, 2026

in Life Worth Giving, Spritual Growth

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January 01, 2026

Readings: Exodus 34:1-8
Romans 1:1-7
Luke 2:15-21

Feast of Holy Name 2026 Homily – Abp. Hines

In the Liturgy of the Church, today is the Feast of the Holy Name. In the world, we know it as a New Year. But what’s new about the new year. It’s always the same. With God, all things are new. What is a Holy Name? Most of us are not following what God has given to us. It is far greater than anything we could imagine. The best example in Creation is the Sun. How many generations have passed and it is still there. God is the same yesterday, today and forever.

A name is supposed to identify an object or a person. When we name our own children, most of the time when it sounds good, then we name them. Jesus’ name was called from the womb. He was there from the very beginning. He and God the Father were partners in Creation. Before His birth on earth, an angel came to Mary, who was only 16 years old , to tell her that she was chosen to bear a child who was the son of God. The angel said, “you will name Him Jesus.” While in the womb, He was already given responsibility. Most couples do not even consult God as to what name to give their children. All children come from God. Without God, there would be no children. It is so sad that in many countries, the murdering of children is practiced. How can it be legal when it is murder? How far we have wavered. The Holy Name of Jesus is there to let us know how sacred His name is. He is the Source of everything, working together with God the Father and the Holy Spirit. Do we give glory to Him in everything we do? When we sit down to eat, do we thank Him? Do we recognize that He is the source? Nothing exists that did not come from Him. We have not given Him due credit. His name is so powerful because it is a name that is above all names. When Moses was given the two tablets of stone and went down from the mountain and saw that the people had rebelled, he broke the tablets out of righteous anger. Then God told him to chisel another set of tablets so He could re-write on them. God was willing to do this to show that He is a God of compassion. God does not demand from us. His love and compassion supersede everything.

According to Jewish Law, on the 8th day, Jesus was presented at the temple to be circumcised. His commission was to be the Messiah, one who would redeem mankind. We tell our children that they can choose anything they want to do in life. It is God who should do the choosing. Unfortunately, we have gone our own way. We are obligated to Him because He is the Source. Jesus at circumcision shed His blood to symbolize that He is in covenant with God. He was submitting Himself to the Law. He had to follow the Law. The circumcision was so sacred that it is the only event that was allowed to be done during the Sabbath. On the 40th day, Mary had to take Him to the temple to acknowledge that the baby belonged to God and that they were going to buy Him back. The price to be paid was either a lamb or two pigeons. Joseph and Mary offered two pigeons because they couldn’t afford a lamb.

Matthew 6:9 “Pray, then, in this way: ‘Our Father, who is in heaven, hallowed be Your name.” People today take the name so lightly. We have used the name of Jesus in vain. Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life, no one comes to the Father except through me.” You cannot come to the Father through the church. The only way is through Christ. Philippians 2:9-10 For this reason also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name, which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth. In Ephesians 6 in the Jewish bible, the believers are known to be a Messianic community.

When Jesus entered into a covenant with God at circumcision, He identified Himself with man. Holy is His name. Sacred. A name above all names. Psalm 8:1 “LORD, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth, You who have displayed Your splendor above the heavens!” What God has given to us is the best. How majestic is the name of Jesus in all the earth. With God, the first born belongs to Him. God was setting principles for our lives from the beginning. The angels told the shepherds about the birth of Christ. Why shepherds? Very possibly it is because the sheep they were watching over were the ones being prepared to be sacrificed. When Jesus went to the cross, He gave us His life. He gave us holiness and righteousness. From the very beginning, the foundation if our lives were to be in His image and likeness. We need to realize the sacredness of our covenant with Him. We are Christians, followers of the Savior. We are ambassadors of His salvation.