The Christmas Season

The Christmas season celebrates the mystery of the Incarnation and the manifestation of Jesus Christ to the world: past, present and future.  The mystery and feast of Christmas (the Nativity of the Lord) is second only to Easter in the liturgical life of the Church. The Christmas season begins after evening prayer on December 25th and continues through the Baptism of the Lord. The first week of the season is the octave of Christmas which closes on the feast of the Mother of God (Jan 1). 

Find links to blessings and other resources to help you celebrate this season of joy and hope for salvation. 
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• The Christmas/Nativity Octave mark the 8-day period, beginning with Christmas Day and ending on New Year's Day, January 1, 2022. The Christmas octave in 2021:
  • ​Dec. 25 - Solemnity - The Nativity of the Lord - Christmas Day
  • Dec. 26 - Feast - The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
  • Dec. 27 - Feast - St. John the Apostle
  • Dec. 28 - Feast -  The Holy Innocents
  • Dec. 29 - Feast - Fifth day of the Octave of the Nativity
  • Dec. 30 - Feast - Sixth day of the Octave of the Nativity
  • Dec. 31 - Feast - Seventh day of the Octave of the Nativity
  • Jan. 1 - Mary, the Holy Mother of God
    
    
• ​Blessing your nativity scene at home 
  
  
• Christmas giving
  • 7 “Gifts from the heart” to give loved ones this Christmas 
  • Faithful Living: Christmas shopping 
  • Faithful Living: Wrapped for Christmas
  • Giving, not receiving 
    
    
• Resources for children: Christmas
  Jesus is the Son of God. We are so blessed that he became human and lived among us. His light overcomes darkness because God’s love for us is greater than sin. Jesus taught us how to love God by loving one another. (Loyola Press) 
  • Here's a 3D Nativity Colouring Kit for the whole family
  • Sunday Connection for Christmas (Gr. 1-8) 
  • Christmas crafts and activities for kids
  • Christmas activities that focus on Jesus 
    
    
• Pray for others & their intentions
  
  
• ​There are many ways to support the work you believe in. Donate now to make a difference
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• What simple acts of service can we undertake right now
  

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Listen to The Real Joy of Christmas music (Spotify) playlist

“Jesus, in fact, came to earth in the concreteness of a people to save every man and woman, of all cultures and nationalities. He made Himself small so that we could welcome Him and receive the gift of God's tenderness.” ~ Pope Francis, 2021

Family reflection: This first coming of Jesus is the promise that this Christ will come again. He is with us now – but also coming at some unknown time to complete all things in the perfect Reign and Kingdom of God. Today we marvel over God’s good grace. How will I behave with family and friends because Jesus Christ is with me and us today? (Source: Diocese of Springfield)