ON THE HOLY CIRCUMCISION

The Circumcised Christ Attended by the Holy Theotokos, St. Joseph, and the Great Hierarchs of the Church, Sts. Basil, John Chrysostom and Gregory Nazianzus, with the Baptismal Font at the Foot of Christ Representing that Baptism will Replace the Rite of Circumcision (Dal-E generated) 

By Bp. Joseph (Ancient Church of the West)

Introduction

On this great and holy feast day, we proclaim with joy, “Christ is circumcised!” To which the faithful respond in chorus - “In the flesh!” This declaration invites reflection on one of the most profound yet often misunderstood feasts of the Church: The Circumcision of Our Lord Jesus Christ. To the modern mind, it may seem strange that the Church commemorates this event. Why does the Circumcision of Christ hold such significance? What does the reproductive member of the Son of God, and the Covenant of Abraham to raise the Seed of Faith as the stars of the sky, have to do with our bland, unisex, symbolical rite of initiation into the Church?

 

The Affirmation of Christ's Humanity

First and foremost, the circumcision of Christ affirms the reality of His humanity. He Who is God before all ages humbled Himself to become fully human, subjecting Himself to the Law. By receiving circumcision in the flesh, Christ not only fulfills the Law but also visibly enters into the covenant that Yahweh established with Abraham. As the Liturgy of St. James proclaims, "He Who is without beginning begins to fulfill the Law in His flesh, uniting heaven and earth in His obedience."

Covenant and Promise

To understand the significance of this, we must revisit the concept of covenant. In Genesis, Yahweh says to Abraham, “Walk before Me and be perfect, and I will make you the father of many nations. In your seed shall all the nations of the earth bless themselves” (Genesis 17:1; 22:18). Circumcision was instituted as the sign of this covenant, a tangible assurance that God’s promises to Abraham would be fulfilled.

By undergoing circumcision, Christ, the eternal Word of God, confirms and completes the covenant from the human side. As St. Paul explains, “In Him all the promises of God find their affirmation” (2 Corinthians 1:20). Christ is the “seed” foretold in the promise - the One through Whom all nations are blessed. In His circumcision, Christ signifies that He is not only the originator of the covenant but also its perfect fulfillment.

The Ancient Church of the West also recognized the typology of circumcision transforming into baptism. As St. Ambrose taught, "The circumcision of the flesh has given way to the circumcision of the heart, which is accomplished through the waters of baptism, where the old man is put off and the new man is put on."

 

The Fulfillment of the Law and Inclusion of the Gentiles

St. Paul elaborates on the theological significance of this event in his letter to the Colossians: “In Him you were also circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, buried with Him in baptism” (Colossians 2:11-12). Through baptism, we are united to Christ’s death and resurrection, and His circumcision becomes ours. Thus, the promises given to Abraham extend to all who are baptized into Christ, whether Jew or Gentile.

This is why the Church celebrates this feast - because in Christ’s circumcision, the covenant expands to include all humanity. As St. Gregory Nazianzus declares, “He is circumcised, that He may be honored as fulfilling the Law, while He brings grace to light and seals the truth of the promises of old.” The waters of baptism become the new sign of the covenant, replacing circumcision while retaining its symbolic meaning of cleansing, initiation, and belonging to God.

Implications for Christian Living

The feast of the Circumcision is not merely an academic or historical reflection; it bears real implications for our lives. If the promises of the covenant are extended to us, we are called to respond by reflecting Christ in every aspect of our lives. As our Lord says, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15).

Baptism, which has its roots in the circumcision of the flesh, calls us to die to sin and rise to newness of life in Christ. St. Cyril of Jerusalem exhorts us, “By your baptism, you are made partakers of Christ; see, then, that you live in His likeness.”

As we stand at the threshold of a new year, we ought to examine our lives in light of this calling. Have we lived as faithful witnesses to Christ? Have we brought His light to a world darkened by sin and despair? The Circumcision of Christ reminds us of our vocation to bear witness to the incarnation of the Son of God through our thoughts, words, and deeds.

Strength for the Spiritual Battle

The world is not growing brighter or saner on its own. As the people of God, we are called to be the light in the darkness and the salt of the earth. This requires entering the spiritual battle daily, strengthened by prayer, participation in the divine services, and the keeping of Christ’s commandments. St. John Chrysostom encourages us: “Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we shall reap, if we do not lose heart” (Galatians 6:9).

 

COLLECT 

Almighty God, Who didst cause Thine Only-Begotten Son to be circumcised and to fulfill the Law for our sake: Grant us grace to mortify all worldly and carnal desires, that we may be made heirs of Thy heavenly kingdom; through the same Thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

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