“For to us a child is born, To us a son is given. And the government will be upon his shoulder; and his name will be called “Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Is9:6 )
“Christmas,” Pope Francis said on Dec. 15, “is a feast that is heart-felt, participatory and capable of warming the coldest of hearts, of removing barriers of indifference towards our neighbors and encouraging openness towards others and a free gift (of self).” It is the feast of the incarnation, the feast of God becoming flesh, and the feast of God choosing to become one of us. He is called EmmanueI, God with us. Christmas is the time we celebrate the birth of Christ into our world and into our hearts, and reflect on the gift of salvation that is born with him including the fact that he was born to die for us. Christmas is at every Eucharist when the bread and wine are transformed into His flesh, His Body and Blood, and, in a sense, He is born anew on the altar. Christmas season begins with the vigil Masses on Christmas Eve and concludes on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. The Christmas tree and the Nativity scene are popular symbols of the season and a tradition in many homes. People like to exchange Christmas cards and gifts with family and friends as a way to honor God the Father's gift of Jesus to the world. Having received this special gift of Jesus, we also want to pass that gift along to our loved ones. Below, you will find links to the Christmas calendar, lectio divina, lives of the saints, and other content to help you celebrate this season of joy and hope for salvation. More resources can be found in the USCCB website.
CONGREGATION OF THE MISSIONARY SISTERS OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, QUEEN OF MERCY 9141 S. 78th St. * Lincoln, NE 68516 * (402) 421-1704 * srsqueenmercy@hotmail.com