The conversion of St. Paul reveals how God’s grace can transform our lives. Once an enemy of the Christian faith, Paul went on to become one of its greatest champions, and his New Testament letters continue to inspire disciples today.
As Jesus is baptized, the Father’s voice is heard from Heaven, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” May these words inspire us to live our lives in a way that is pleasing to the Lord.
As the Magi encounter the Christ child in Bethlehem, their example inspires us to continue our daily journey to Jesus, guided by the Lord’s light through this life to our Heavenly home.
As the shepherds describe what had been revealed to them by the angel, Mary kept all these things and reflected on them in her heart. May her example lead us into our own reflections on her Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, as we put our faith into practice.
The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph offers us an example of family life and inspires us to reach out to our own families with the love of the Lord.
Herod’s murder of the baby boys in Bethlehem reveals the senseless violence of our darkened world. This evil, and all the forms it embodies, is overcome by the baby laid in a manger…the Christ who breaks the bonds of sin and death by his victory on the Cross.
The Church celebrates the martyrdom of St. Stephen immediately after Christmas, in no small way to remind us that the child we worship in the manger will grow to offer his life for the salvation of the world. May Stephen’s example inspire us today to live our lives for the Lord.
There are FOUR different options for Mass Readings on the Feast of Christmas! As it depends on the Mass you attend (and the preference of the presider) I will limit my reflection to the Gospel readings.
Vigil Mass – Matthew 1:1-25
The Genealogy of Jesus Christ, with fourteen generations between Abraham to David, fourteen generations between David to the Babylonian exile, and fourteen generations between the Babylonian exile to Christ.
The passage concludes with the angel’s message in Joseph’s dream to welcome Mary into his home.
Mass at Midnight – Luke 2:1-14
Joseph brings Mary to Bethlehem for the census, and there Mary gives birth to Jesus and lays him in swaddling clothes in a manger.
The angels proclaim a message of hope to the shepherds nearby, singing “Glory to God in the highest!”
Mass at Dawn – Luke 2:15-20
The shepherds go to Bethlehem and find the baby Jesus in the manger.
The message of the angels is made known to Mary and Joseph, and the shepherds return home praising God.
Mass during the Day – John 1:1-18
The Prologue of John’s Gospel reveals that Jesus is the Word of God who became flesh and came into our world, shining with a light that the darkness can neither understand nor overcome.
John the Baptist testifies that Jesus is the Son of God.
Three Great Things 