NAMING IN THE NEW YEAR
“If I'm gonna tell a real story, I'm gonna start with my name.” – Kendrick Lamar
Jewish custom calls parents of a newborn child to a ritual on their 8th day of life. During this occasion, the name of the child is proclaimed, and for boys, circumcision traditionally takes place. Joseph and Mary are said to have followed suit with their son, Jesus (Luke 2:21). Since Jesus is ascribed to be born on December 25, for centuries the church has recognized January 1st (8 days later) as this so-called Feast of the Holy Name.
Given the timing of our secular calendar, this feast is lesser known, even in many church circles. In my life, January 1st has been a feast for college football, sleeping in, and in recent years, going on a hike. Of course, like many in our culture, this day is also a big feast for resolutions. In our family, we spend a chunk of time looking back on the year that was; the accomplishments, the surprises, and the goals we set and (sometimes) achieved. We then turn to the year ahead, resolving to stop, continue, or begin aspects of both personal and family life. These resolutions take on physical, spiritual, financial, and relational qualities. Being the list-maker that I am, I very much look forward to this annual exercise.
This custom of resolution-making on New Year’s Day has clear associations with the Feast of the Holy Name. On the same day the church recognizes the name of Jesus, countless people go through the process of naming various aspects of their own lives. Some naming rituals, of course, are a bit more informal and less structured than our family. Nevertheless, in some fashion, moments of the past year are named, along with the naming of disciplines to come in the year ahead.
The act of naming can be powerful. Naming resolutions is at least an expression of intent; a good place to start. The name of a person claims identity and distinction; dignity and worth. In the Biblical narrative, a new name is given by God to several characters at pivotal moments in life (Abram and Sarai become Abraham and Sarah, Jacob becomes Israel, to name a few). When Jesus encountered someone riddled by evil, he would demand the name of the demon before casting it out. In both Jewish and Christian tradition, confessing (naming) sin is a crucial step to forgiveness, absolution, cleansing, and new life. In the Garden of Eden, human is given the honor of naming the living creatures. Nameless characters in the sacred text are often people who society, regrettably, had marginalized or oppressed in some way.
The power of this act is a big reason why I strive to both learn and call as many students and faculty by name.
As the new year unfolds, my prayer is for us all to consider what needs to be named. And then to do so.
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Jewish custom calls parents of a newborn child to a ritual on their 8th day of life. During this occasion, the name of the child is proclaimed, and for boys, circumcision traditionally takes place. Joseph and Mary are said to have followed suit with their son, Jesus (Luke 2:21). Since Jesus is ascribed to be born on December 25, for centuries the church has recognized January 1st (8 days later) as this so-called Feast of the Holy Name.
Given the timing of our secular calendar, this feast is lesser known, even in many church circles. In my life, January 1st has been a feast for college football, sleeping in, and in recent years, going on a hike. Of course, like many in our culture, this day is also a big feast for resolutions. In our family, we spend a chunk of time looking back on the year that was; the accomplishments, the surprises, and the goals we set and (sometimes) achieved. We then turn to the year ahead, resolving to stop, continue, or begin aspects of both personal and family life. These resolutions take on physical, spiritual, financial, and relational qualities. Being the list-maker that I am, I very much look forward to this annual exercise.
This custom of resolution-making on New Year’s Day has clear associations with the Feast of the Holy Name. On the same day the church recognizes the name of Jesus, countless people go through the process of naming various aspects of their own lives. Some naming rituals, of course, are a bit more informal and less structured than our family. Nevertheless, in some fashion, moments of the past year are named, along with the naming of disciplines to come in the year ahead.
The act of naming can be powerful. Naming resolutions is at least an expression of intent; a good place to start. The name of a person claims identity and distinction; dignity and worth. In the Biblical narrative, a new name is given by God to several characters at pivotal moments in life (Abram and Sarai become Abraham and Sarah, Jacob becomes Israel, to name a few). When Jesus encountered someone riddled by evil, he would demand the name of the demon before casting it out. In both Jewish and Christian tradition, confessing (naming) sin is a crucial step to forgiveness, absolution, cleansing, and new life. In the Garden of Eden, human is given the honor of naming the living creatures. Nameless characters in the sacred text are often people who society, regrettably, had marginalized or oppressed in some way.
The power of this act is a big reason why I strive to both learn and call as many students and faculty by name.
As the new year unfolds, my prayer is for us all to consider what needs to be named. And then to do so.
Berkeley Preparatory School
Founded in 1960, Berkeley is an independent, Episcopal, college-preparatory day school located in Tampa, FL, for boys and girls in grades Pre-Kindergarten through 12. Approximately 1,400 students gather here from the greater Tampa Bay area to form ONE Berkeley.