Today's Christmas Reflection from Fr. Joseph

Dear John,

Merry Christmas, Family! As we celebrate the Nativity of the Lord today and throughout the Christmas season, we remember the Baby in the Manger. We remember the Virgin who bore a Child. We remember St. Joseph, who had great humility and faith. We remember the shepherds and angels and animals who surrounded the Newborn King.

The story of the first Christmas is just as awe-inspiring as it was 2,000 years ago. God Himself came to earth and was born under extremely humble circumstances – and He came here in order to live and to die for us.

He also came to give us nourishment. The name of the city Bethlehem translates to “house of bread,” and the Baby Jesus was laid in a feeding trough soon after His Birth. Both of these facts prefigure that Jesus – the Bread of Life – would give Himself as Food for us. The Most Holy Eucharist is truly the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, and the Nativity points us toward this great Truth.

The Incarnation is the central point of all of human history – when the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.

But why did He come? It was all out of His unending Love for each one of us. God creates us out of love, redeems us out of love, and will glorify us one day out of love.

Here are today’s Mass readings:

First reading: Isaiah 52:7-10

Psalm: 98:1-6

Second reading: Hebrews 1:1-6

Gospel: St. John 1:1-18

Here are a few Christmas programs airing today on EWTN:

WE CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS: THE BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST

December 25, 10:00 AM

Children celebrate Christ’s birth through colorful Christmas songs, dances, puppetry, and more. (30 mins.)

LIFE IS WORTH LIVING: THE TRUE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS

December 25, 11:00 AM

Archbishop Sheen reminds us of why we celebrate Christmas as one of the holiest of days of the year. (30 mins.)

IN CONCERT: CHRISTMAS IN VIENNA

December 25, 8:00 PM

Each year, the concert brings together a quartet of the best international vocalists. (90 minutes)

All times Eastern. Check ewtn.com/tv/schedule for up-to-date listings.

I pray that your Christmas season is filled with the blessings that only the Lord can provide.
In Christ,

Father Joseph

P.S. If you are inspired by this message, please forward it on to your loved ones.

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