Even though the Octave of Christmas has come to and end and we have entered into this 9th day of Christmas, we must remember that it does not matter what the rest of the world thinks… It is still Christmas until the 6th of January…the Feast of the Epiphany! There is no shame in keeping the tree up or keeping the outdoor decorations aglow! It is true that the secular world has already moved on, but we can’t expect them not to because after all, they really don’t celebrate the Christ of Christmas…anyway…

In the Traditional Latin Rite, the Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus was celebrated on or near the 3rd of January since it is right about that time that Jesus was circumcised and named, but now, the whole month of January is dedicated to honoring the Holy name of Jesus.

St. Alphonsus de Liguori wrote a beautiful discourse about the Holy Name of Jesus, which I have copied sections of it below….Merry Christmas…. and enjoy….

THE MOST HOLY NAME OF JESUS         

By St. Alphonsus de Liguori

“His Name was called Jesus.” This great Name of Jesus was not given by man, but by God Himself: ‘The Name of Jesus, says St. Bernard, was first preordained by God. It was a new Name: “A new Name, which the mouth of the Lord shall name.” A new Name, which God alone could give to Him whom He destined for the Saviour of the world. A new and an eternal Name; because, as our salvation was decreed from all eternity, so from all eternity was this Name given to the Redeemer. Nevertheless this Name was only bestowed on Jesus Christ in this world on the day of His circumcision: “And after eight days were accomplished that the Child should be circumcised, His Name was called Jesus.” The Eternal Father wished at that time to reward the humility of His Son by giving Him so honorable a Name. Yes, while Jesus humbles Himself, submitting in His circumcision to be branded with the mark of a sinner, it is just that His Father should honor Him by giving Him a Name that exceeds the dignity and sublimity of any other Name: “God hath given Him a Name which is above all names.”

And He commands that this Name should be adored by the angels, by men, and by devils: “That in the Name of Jesus every knee should bow of those that are in heaven, on earth, and under the earth.”  If, then, all creatures are to adore this great Name, still more ought we sinners to adore it, since it was in our behalf that this Name of Jesus, which signifies Savior, was given to Him; and for this end also He came down from heaven, namely, to save sinners: “For us men and for our salvation.” He came down from heaven, and was made man. We ought to adore Him, and at the same time to thank God who has given Him this Name for our good; for it is this Name that consoles us, defends us, and makes us burn with love.

The Name of Jesus is not a Name of light only, but it is meat also. Dost thou ever call it to mind, and remain unstrengthened? Is there anything like it to enrich the soul of him that thinketh of it? What is there like it to restore the fagged senses, to fortify strength, to give birth to good lives and pure affections? The soul is fed on husks if that whereon it feedeth lack seasoning with this salt. If thou writest, thou hast no meaning for me if I read not of Jesus there. If thou preach, or dispute, thou hast no meaning for me if I hear not of Jesus there. The mention of Jesus is honey in the mouth, music in the ear, and gladness in the heart. It is our healing too. Is any sorrowful among us? Let the thought of Jesus come into his heart, and spring to his mouth. Behold, when the day of that Name beginneth to break, every cloud will flee away, and there will be a great calm. Doth any fall into sin? Doth any draw nigh to an hopeless death? And if he but call on the life-giving Name of Jesus, will he not draw the breath of a new life again?

Holy Name Devotions

The simplest form of devotion to the Most Holy Name of JESUS is the devout, loving recitation of that Name above all names.  Each time you whisper His precious Name … “Jesus” … let it be a loving invocation to your Divine Savior and Lord.  You can even make it part of a short prayer, like “Jesus, I love You!“, “Praise You, Jesus“, and of course, Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me! (a form of the Jesus Prayer).

Praise to the Holy Name of JESUS

O Glorious Name of Jesus,

gracious Name,

Name of love and of power!

Through You, sins are forgiven,

enemies are vanquished,

the sick are freed from illness,

the suffering are made strong and cheerful.

You bring honor to believers, instructions to preachers,

strength to those who toil,

and sustenance tot he weary.

Our love for You is ardent and glowing,

through You are prayers are heard.

The souls of those who contemplate You

are filled to overflowing;

and all blessed in Heaven

are filled with Your Glory.

Grant that we too may reign with them

through this Your Most Holy Name. Amen.