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.
As we transition from Advent to Christmas, we prepare to meet Jesus Christ, who is “Emmanuel” which means “God is with us”. With joy, then, we open our hearts and let the Lord enter, for he is the King of Glory!
The genealogy of Jesus walks us through several high points in salvation history. Yet, once we understand that we are grafted on to this tree through the gift of faith, we see our connection to Christ enriched and enlivened. We are a part of the Lord’s family!
Just as John the Baptist was “a burning and shining lamp” that guided the people to Jesus, we, too, are called by the Lord to shine with the light of Christ in the world today.
Isaiah speaks with bold and passionate intensity, revealing God as the source and center of our lives. May we reaffirm this truth each and every day as we follow Jesus Christ with full and open hearts.
The Lord reminds the disciples that it is crucial to follow God’s call with actions of repentance. May we take this insight to heart as we put our faith into practice.
Catholic Inspiration – Podcast Archives of Homilies & Talks
Three Great Things 