Luke 2:21, "And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb."

It is confirmed medically today that there is no better day than the eighth day to circumcise a baby.

Circumcision was a sign that a Jew belong to the nation of God, but there is something difficult to understand. Circumcision was specifically for the Israelites and as a sign that they were sinners needing redemption. We heathen who are planted into God's vineyard aren't circumcised physically but it is a circumcision of the heart when we are saved. But why was Jesus circumcised? There was no need for He was God, Creator of heaven and earth. Everything that was created was created for and by Him. He then became flesh like us and was born as a baby, and He was circumcised on the eighth day. God became man; He came down to our standard and became one of us. He didn't need circumcision but identified Himself with us even in that, that He was circumcised.

The baptism of John was also completely different to what we are used to today. When we are baptised we testify that we have died with Him and are raised with Him, but John's baptism was a baptism of repentance with the confession of sin. John the Baptist was filled with the Spirit of God before he was born in his mother's womb. When John saw Jesus coming to him to be baptised he refused, saying, "I need to be baptised by You"; but Jesus insisted and John baptised Him. He identified with us even in the baptism of repentance and took your and my sin upon Himself. He took your position and my position. It is amazing, He Who was sinless united Himself with us sinners. John to whom it was revealed pointed to Jesus that it is He Who takes away the sin of the world. Who revealed it to him? The Holy Spirit revealed this secret to John.

Simeon who came into the temple was shown by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he has seen the Christ. He entered the temple being prompted by the Holy Spirit and when he saw the Child he knew that He was the Christ. He took Him into his arms and prophesied about the Child.

So too Anna who served in the temple day and night recognised the Child and thanked God for His salvation.

The Holy Spirit reveals His secrets to His people.

In the early church the Holy Spirit revealed to Peter the lie of Ananias and Sapphira and they died. Peter had an ear to hear what the Holy Spirit says.

Do you have an ear to hear what the Holy Spirit says? Maybe you have told many lies in the church and you're still alive, but spiritually you're dead.

We read of the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, who leads us in all the truth. Do you know the fellowship of the Holy Spirit?

Jesus should be a treasure to us and His Name above every other name.

A certain man said that he cannot utter or write the name of Jesus without something happening in his heart. Is Jesus so precious to you?

Jesus came to give us overflowing life. It is a life flowing with milk and honey. Milk and honey has healing and cleansing properties. If you haven't experienced heaven here in your soul you will never find heaven when you die.

Matt 1:21, "His name will be called Jesus for He will save His people from their sins". If you utter His Name but are not saved from your sins you are living a lie, for He saves you from your sins, otherwise you're not saved at all.

We are told we are free in South Africa but what type of freedom is this without the Joshua from Heaven? This freedom from this world doesn't mean anything, but if you have this Joshua in your life you have true freedom.

I experienced freedom when the Afrikaners ruled and today when the black man rules I'm still free since my life is ruled by the Joshua from Heaven.

2010 lies ahead and we don't know what it will bring. It's like a closed door. It could bring life or death to us.

Even though the future is unknown, if you enter this year with the Lord Jesus Christ you will be victorious. Place your hand in His and He will lead you into the future (see the poem "Gate of the year", http://www.poetseers.org/spiritual_and_devotional_poets/anon/gate/ ).

Let that Name remain in you and walk and grow in Him this year. Let His life saturate you and let His Name be written on your face and forehead - your face shining with His Life.

Does the name Jesus mean anything to you. Blessed is the one to whom His Name is precious and exalted and reverent. Grow into Him more and more and let His life fill you and you will be blest.