This sermon is for the New Year's Day gospel which tells of Christ's circumcision on the eighth day after His birth. He began with the end in mind, His end being to suffer in our place under the Law of God. This He did in His circumcision according to the law of Moses, shedding His innocent infant blood for us. It reminds us that His entire life was His cross, born for us and with us, that we might be with Him in Paradise.