Over the past few weeks we've been concentrating on the many prayers that make up our liturgy. We're already up to the Gospel, the Word of Jesus, the reading that takes pride of place in the Liturgy of the Word. (Learn more)

This week we're promoting one of our favorite activities for the Christmas Season - arranging the Nativity scene! On Christmas Day we place Baby Jesus in his crib. The shepherds are nearby, but not yet in the scene. The Magi are far away, usually in a different room. The day after Christmas we place the shepherds in the scene. Each day we move the Magi a little closer to the Nativity scene. We wait until until January 6 (Epiphany) for the kings to actually enter the scene. Then we plan the Epiphany party!
 

• Use your violet candle Sunday and Monday to celebrate Advent. Use your gold or white candle Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday to celebrate the Christmas season.
   

• Tuesday, December 25 use a white candle for the solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord
   
• Wednesday, December 26 use a red candle for the feast of St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr and patron saint of stone masons.
   
• Thursday, December 27 use a white candle for the feast of St. John, apostle and evangelist..
   
• Friday, December 28 use a red candle to commemorate the feast of The Holy Innocents, the baby boys who were murdered by order of Herod, who was actually trying to kill Baby Jesus.

A solemnity is a day of greatest importance. The celebration starts the evening before the actual solemnity. Easter is our most important solemnity. A feast is the next most important day. It commemorates Mary, the apostles, martyrs and other saints, and the events associated with them. Mass readings often reflect the special feast day. A memorial is a special day, but often an optional celebration. The scripture readings for Mass may or may not be specially selected for the memorial.
 

Christmas is just beginning!
Enjoy celebrating all Twelve Days!

After an Advent season full of anticipation, we aren't satisfied celebrating Christmas just one day. For more details about the special days of Christmas and the celebrations associated with them, click here.
 

The Messiah is Coming!

In our first reading King Ahaz refuses to ask God for a sign, despite God's offering to do so. Isaiah sees right through Ahaz's hypocrisy, and scolds him for wearying God. Isaiah reveals the sign that will save the world - the Messiah.

Paul's greeting to the Romans is a bit of a challenge to hear, but its message is clear. Jesus Christ is our Lord, the Son of God. Paul is the apostle whose job is to spread this Good News to the Gentiles. There is no greater news than that which Paul shares.

The Gospel of Matthew shows us the incredible faith of Joseph. He is in a difficult situation, but puts his faith in God. His acceptance of God's will gives him peace.

So much is going on around us these days that it is sometimes difficult to find peace of mind. We have frustrations in our jobs and with our friends and family. Sometimes we see evil in the actions of others. It is important to realize that through these difficulties God is still working. Just as God worked through the hypocrisy of Ahaz, the prophecy of Isaiah, the faith and trust of Joseph and the Blessed Virgin Mary, God can work through our challenges and trust, too. No difficulty is too much of an obstacle for God. When we believe this, and allow our will to be God's will, we, too, can have true peace.
 

Lectionary readings for the 4th Week of Advent & the 1st Week of Christmas: