The Nativity of the Lord

The Month of December Dedicated to Advent and the Coming of Christ

Saints: Saint Anastasia of Sirmium (b. 281); Blessed Mary of the Apostles, Virgin, Foundress of the Salvatorian Sisters (b. 1833)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 67 Brothers Sent on a Journey

Mass: Vigil Mass: Is 62:1-5; Resp Ps 89; Acts 13:16-17, 22-25; Mt 1:1-25/Mass During the Night: Is 9:1-6; Resp Ps 96; Titus 2:11-14; Lk 2:1-14/Mass at Dawn: Is 62:11-12; Resp Ps 97; Titus 3:4-7; Lk 2:15-20/Mass During the Day: Is 52:7-10; Resp Ps 98; Heb 1:1-6; Jn 1:1-18

A light will shine on us this day; the Lord is born to us.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, QUEEN OF HEAVEN AND EARTH,

SAINT JOSEPH, GUARDIAN OF THE REDEEMER,

PRAY FOR US.

Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary.

Of her was born Jesus who is called the Christ.

(Mt 1:16)

Virgin and mother.

Astounding and unique.

(Bernard of Clairvaux, 1090-1153) 

Never

since the world began 

has it been heard

that a virgin has given birth,

that a mother has remained a virgin.

Never

in the ordinary course of events

is there virginity

where fruitfulness is mentioned

nor fruitfulness

where virginity is maintained with integrity.

She is the only person

in whom virginity and fruitfulness have met.

Here

-just once-

something happened

which never happened before

and never will again.

Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.

(Lk 2:14)

Merry Christmas, dear faithful readers. United in faith and prayer, we go forth and rejoice for to us a child is born, to us a son is given. Thank you for being there. 

SAINT ANASTASIA OF SIRMIUM,

BLESSED MARY OF THE APOSTLES,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's image: The Nativity, through the hand of Sister Suzanne, ocso. Light dawns for the just.

© Gertrude Feick 2022