“For to us a child is born, to us, a son is given…and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:6
December 24 – January 12
The liturgical season of Christmas, also known as Christmastide, begins with the vigil Masses on Christmas Eve and concludes on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. During this season, we celebrate the birth of Christ into our world and 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.
The Christmas tree and the Nativity scene are popular symbols of the season and a tradition in many Christian homes. It is also traditional to exchange Christmas gifts with family and friends to honor God the Father’s gift of his only son to the world. Having received the gift of Christ, we naturally want to pass that gift along to our loved ones.
As Catholics, we know that Christmas Day is not the end of the Nativity season but just the beginning. We have watched and waited in joyful anticipation through Advent, and now it’s our time to celebrate! During this time you will hear traditional Christmas hymns at Mass and it is customary to leave the decorations in place throughout the season.
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