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Christmas Season · Solemnity of Mary: The Holy Mother of God · Year C

Luke 2:16-21

The Shepherds and the Angels

January 1, 2028

The Circumcision of Christ, Master of the Holy Kinship
The Circumcision of Christ, Master of the Holy Kinship, c. 1500Alte Pinakothek, Munich
In a crowded Gothic temple the priest circumcises the infant Jesus on the altar while Mary, Joseph and the donors look on.After eight days had passed, it was time to circumcise the child; and he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.Master of the Holy KinshipAn unnamed master of Cologne around 1500, called after his altarpiece of the Holy Kinship.Alte Pinakothek, MunichThe Alte Pinakothek in Munich, one of the oldest public picture galleries in the world.Alte Pinakothek, Munich
Roman Lectionary
GospelLuke 2:16-21Lk 2:16-21
Second ReadingGal. 4:4-7Gal 4:4-7
First ReadingNum. 6:22-27Nm 6:22-27
Responsorial PsalmPs. 67:2-3, 5, 6+8Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6+8

Overview & Insights

“Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened.” (Luke 2:15)

With this scene, the fulfillment of the angel Gabriel’s announcements (1:11–20, 26–37) is complete. Both John and Jesus have been unexpectedly conceived, celebrated in prophetic songs, and born in remarkable circumstances. Each is already revealed as having a central role in God’s plan of salvation, but the angel’s words now emphasize that the good news is centered on the Messiah rather than on his forerunner.

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Commentary

Commentary on Luke 2:15-21Commentary on Lk 2:15-21 Working Preacher

Working Preacher's reading of Mary's pondering and the naming of Jesus on the eighth day.

Luke 2 CommentaryLk 2 Commentary Enduring Word · David Guzik

A verse by verse evangelical walkthrough of the chapter, including the naming of Jesus.

Luke 2:16 CommentariesLk 2:16 Commentaries BibleHub

A side by side library of classic commentaries on the verse.

Luke 2 (Gill's Exposition)Lk 2 (Gill's Exposition) StudyLight

Gill's full verse by verse notes on the chapter.

Luke 2 (Barnes' Notes)Lk 2 (Barnes' Notes) StudyLight

Barnes' concise nineteenth century notes on the chapter.

Luke 2 CommentaryLk 2 Commentary Precept Austin

A devotional, cross-reference heavy commentary aimed at personal Bible study.

The Octave Day of the Nativity: Solemnity of Mary Loyola Press · Sunday Connection

A Catholic Sunday-wide reflection on Mary's faith at the start of the new year.

Mary, the Mother of God (Year C) Catholic Productions · Brant Pitre

Brant Pitre walks through all three Mass readings for this solemnity, including the naming of Jesus.

Background & Word Study

Luke 2:16 InterlinearLk 2:16 Interlinear BibleHub

Greek text with parsing for the shepherds' report and the naming of Jesus.

Luke (Chapters 1-9) OverviewLk (Chapters 1-9) Overview BibleProject

A video walkthrough of Luke's literary design through the opening chapters.

The Church Fathers

Catena on Luke 2Catena on Lk 2 Catena

Patristic comments on the chapter collected verse by verse.

Art & Music

Art in the Christian Tradition Vanderbilt

A curated image index for this reading across the history of Christian art.

Questions preachers ask

What do the shepherds do?

They hurry to find Mary, Joseph, and the child in the manger, then return glorifying and praising God; on the eighth day the child is named Jesus, as the angel had said.

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