Celebrating the Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus

“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” – Philippians 2:10

While the world rings in a new calendar year with parties and resolutions, the Church begins the year with something far deeper: the Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus. Celebrated on January 1, this feast commemorates the day Jesus was circumcised and officially given the name announced by the angel Gabriel, a name full of promise, power, and salvation.

In accordance with Jewish tradition, male infants were named and circumcised on the eighth day after birth. This rite, rooted in God’s covenant with Abraham, marked a child’s inclusion in the people of God. For Jesus, it was also the moment when Mary and Joseph gave Him the name foretold by the angel:

“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.”— Luke 2:21

The name "Jesus," meaning “God saves,” reveals His pivotal role in human salvation. By giving Him this name, the world was reminded that the infant in the manger was no ordinary child but the Savior of all humanity.

The Power of His Name

The name of Jesus is more than a historical detail. It is central to Christian worship, prayer, and daily life. Through His name, we experience the power of salvation, healing, and reconciliation.

Saint Paul writes beautifully of this in Philippians:

“Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow... and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”— Philippians 2:9–11

To speak the name of Jesus is to proclaim His lordship and to honor the immeasurable gift of His presence in our lives. It is a name that unites heaven and earth, calling us to bow in humility and gratitude before the one who came to save us.

How to Celebrate the Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus

Here are some time-honored and joy-filled ways to mark this day, both in remembrance and celebration:

Make God Cakes

In Coventry, England, it was traditional for godparents to visit their godchildren on this day and bring God Cakes, small, triangular pastries filled with sweet mincemeat. The triangle shape honors the Holy Trinity.

(Scroll to the end for a simple recipe!)

Wear White

In Brazil, Christians wear white on this day, symbolizing the forgiveness of sins, the purity of a new year, and new life in Christ.

Wake Up Early

In Switzerland, January 1 is also celebrated as Saint Sylvester’s Day. Children rise early to compete for the title of “earliest riser,” while the last one up is lovingly teased.

Ring Bells and Yodel

In Swiss regions, this day includes colorful festivals. Men dress up as Silvesterklaus, don elaborate costumes, ring large bells, and sing slow yodels as they walk from house to house, wishing neighbors a happy new year.

Do the Devotion

Ground your day in prayer and reflection with this simple, meaningful devotion.

Devotion for the Day

Light the Christ candle. Begin your devotion time with the following invitation to prayer:

Leader: The Lord be with you.

People: And also with you.

Leader: Let us pray.

Opening prayer:

Eternal Father, you gave to your incarnate Son the holy name of Jesus to be the sign of our salvation: Plant in every heart, we pray, the love of him who is the Savior of the world, our Lord Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

Read Luke 2:21

21 On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child,he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.

Read Philippians 2:9-11

9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest placeand gave him the name that is above every name,10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,in heaven and on earth and under the earth,11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,to the glory of God the Father.

Close with a prayer thanking God for his goodness and asking for his guidance and protection for you and all who are in any need or trouble.

End your devotion by saying the Lord’s Prayer together.

the recipe -

Coventry God Cakes.pdf

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Coventry God Cakes

Shortcrust:

2 cups flour

1 tsp salt

1 Tbl. confectioner’s sugar

8 Tbsp cold butter, cut into pieces

1 egg, lightly beaten

1 Tbsp milk or water

Filling:

¼ butter, room temperature

¼ cup sugar

¾ cup currants

¼ cup candied lemon peel, finely chopped

Grated rind of ½ a lemon

¼ tsp nutmeg

½ tsp allspice

Combine the flour and salt in a mixing bowl. If you wish, stir in the sugar. Using the tips of your fingers or two knives, work in the butter until the mixture resembles a coarse meal. Make a well and add the egg and milk. Mix briefly with a fork. Form the dough into a ball. Wrap it in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least ½ hour.

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Butter 2 baking sheets.

To make the filling: Cream the butter with the sugar until fluffy. Stir in the remaining ingredients, blending thoroughly.

On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out thin. Cut into four-inch squares. Reroll the scraps. Place 1 heaping teaspoon of filling near one corner of each square, leaving ½ inch of dough uncovered. Lightly moisten the edges of the pastry. Fold from corner to corner to make triangles. Seal the edges with your fingers, then with the tines of a fork.

Place the cakes on the baking sheets and bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until golden brown.