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.
Merry Christmas! Depending on the Mass you attend, there are four different sets of readings. Yet as we ponder God’s love for our fallen world, may the hope in our hearts burst forth as we proclaim the Good News with tidings of glad joy: today is born our savior, Christ the Lord!
The Canticle of Zechariah brings the season of Advent to a close with a resounding proclamation of praise to God. May these words ring out in our hearts!
The birth of John the Baptist indicates a new element in salvation history. The hand of the Lord is upon the one who comes to prepare the way for Christ our savior.
Mary’s Magnificat becomes a model for our prayer and praise to God. May these words inspire us to keep our focus upon the Lord as we draw strength from the one who saves us.
The encounter between Mary and Elizabeth reveals how God’s gift of joy surfaces in the presence of faith and fellowship. As we count our blessings today, may we express the Good News of the Lord’s love in our lives with those around us.
Mary encounters the angel Gabriel, who announces God’s saving power that comes to our world through Jesus Christ. May this Good News sustain us in our difficult moments…for nothing will be impossible for God!
The angel Gabriel speaks to Zechariah, announcing that his wife Elizabeth will conceive a son who will go forth with the spirit and power of Elijah to prepare a people 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.
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Three Great Things 