Christmas Eve: Dec. 24
Wishing you a blessed Christmas Eve. Please join us in prayer as we await His blessed birth:
O sweet Child of Bethlehem,
grant that we may share with all our hearts
in this profound mystery of Christmas.
Put into the hearts of men and women this peace
for which they sometimes seek so desperately
and which you alone can give to them.
Help them to know one another better,
and to live as brothers and sisters,
children of the same Father.
Reveal to them also your beauty, holiness and purity.
Awaken in their hearts
love and gratitude for your infinite goodness.
Join them all together in your love.
And give us your heavenly peace.
Amen.
– Pope John XXIII
The Nativity of the Lord: Dec. 25
Today, most everything else in our lives slows down as we celebrate the birth of our Savior. While we pause, it is important to reflect on His humble birth. Our King and Lord Jesus Christ was born not in a palace or fancy home, but in a stable—revealing the perfection of His humility. God gave us his only son, who received just as much honor from the shepherds surrounding him on his birth as he would if the Roman emperor had come to adore the holy child.
From this we learn that from God's perspective, we all are born with equal dignity and the ability to give glory to God regardless of our wealth or rank in life. Commit to a celebration of Christmas that truly honors God—a celebration that goes further than gifts and food.
St. John the Apostle & Evangelist: Dec. 27
Today, we honor St. John the Apostle, patron saint of love, loyalty and authors. Known as one of the greatest evangelists in history, he became a leader in the early Church and wrote many important works, including the fourth Gospel.
Referred to as the "beloved disciple," he was the only one of the 12 apostles present at the foot of the cross when Jesus was crucified and it was John who Jesus entrusted his mother Mary after his death and resurrection.
Outliving the other apostles, John died around the age of 100, devoting his life to demonstrating a deep devotion to Jesus. He taught that love is the most important of Christian values, for it is only through love that we can truly know God. As we prepare to enter into a new year, reflect on how you can exemplify the teachings of St. John the Apostle, glorifying the Lord by showing love to our brothers and sisters throughout the year.
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