Epistle Reading: Colossians 2:8-12
Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty
deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic
principles of the world, and not according to Christ.
For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily;
and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all
principality and power.
In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision
made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by
the circumcision of Christ,
buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised
with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.
Gospel Reading: Luke 2:20-21,40-52
Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for
all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.
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.
And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with
wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.
His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the
Passover.
And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem
according to the custom of the feast.
When they had finished the days, as they returned, the Boy
Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know
it;
but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a
day's journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances.
So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem,
seeking Him.
Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the
temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and
asking them questions.
And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and
answers.
So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to
Him, "Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have
sought You anxiously."
And He said to them, "Why is it that you sought Me? Did you not
know that I must be about My Father's business?"
But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to
them.
Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was
subject to them, but His mother kept all these things in her heart.
And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with
God and men.
Saints and Feasts
Circumcision of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; Basil the Great, Archbishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia; Gregory, Bishop of Nanzianzos, Father of Gregory the Theologian; Peter the New Martyr of the Peloponnesos; Theodotos the Martyr; Righteous Theodosios of Triglia; Emmelia, Mother of Basil the Great, Gregory of Nyssa, Makrina, and Peter of Sebaste; Telemachos the Martyr; Fulgentius, Bishop of Ruspe
