23 December 2025
Beginning last Wednesday and continuing up to Christmas, we have been hearing the many different Gospel stories that lead us to the birth of Jesus. We began with the genealogy of Jesus from Matthew and Joseph's dream to honor Mary as his wife. We heard the episode of the Angel Gabriel’s visit to Mary and her subsequent visit to Elizabeth, and we have heard the stories concerning Zechariah in the Temple and the Nativity of John the Baptist. All of these stories culminate with Christmas when we celebrate the Savior’s birth.
Every Advent I find this pre-Christmas octave extremely helpful in my preparations for the Nativity of Jesus. It helps me stay focused in celebrating a genuine Christmas. I believe we are ready for Christmas at St. Mark's. The church has been decorated, the leaflets have been duplicated, the choir has been hard at work, and the servers, acolytes, and ushers have their duties. If some detail is not ready at this point, it probably does not matter.
With the High Mass in the Night on Christmas Eve our celebrations of Jesus’ birth are just beginning. Christmas is a season with multiple markers. There is the Octave of Christmas, ending with the Feast of Mary, Holy Mother of God and the Circumcision and Naming of Jesus on January 1. There is the custom of the Twelve Days of Christmas, ending on January 6, the traditional date for the Feast of the Epiphany. In modern church calendars, Christmastide often ends on the First Sunday after the Epiphany with the Baptism of Christ. Some cultures really enjoy savoring Christmas, officially ending the celebrations with Candlemas on February 2, keeping their Christmas trees until this time.
All of this is an invitation for us to revel in the grace transforming the world due to the birth of Jesus Christ. Secular society will quickly move on from Christmas, and this is perhaps a blessing, because it allows the Christian to quietly enjoy the Savior’s birth without the noise of consumerism. There is something very faithful about gathering with friends for carols, food, and festivities while much of the world chases after the next shiny spectacle.
If we are to comprehend the magnitude of the miracle happening this Christmas, we need to make space for ourselves so that we can actually see what is happening. The Church, in her holy wisdom, prepares us throughout Advent for the coming of the Messiah, and when the King is born, we are given many days to celebrate. Enjoy these moments, and do not let the world rush or stress you. Jesus the Christ, born in Bethlehem, is our true gift, and we have been granted abundant permission to enjoy this gift for multiple beautiful days.
Father Paul Lillie +
