The Holy Family’s first Christmas was both stressful and joyful.- Jesus the Bread of Life was born in Bethlehem, which means “House of Bread.”
- Jesus was born and laid to rest in caves. His body was wrapped, in birth and death.
- Joseph taught carpentry to Him through whom all things were made.
- Mary taught prayers to God.
- St. Joseph, protector of the Holy Family, is now universal patron of the Church.
- St. Mary, the bearer of one child, is now mother of all Christians.
Archive for December, 2014
Mysteries of the Holy Family
December 26, 2014
The Christmas Proclamation
December 23, 2014This proclamation recalls the great events which set the stage for the birth of Jesus Christ within our human history. Its reading has traditionally preceded the Mass of Christmas Eve.
The 25th Day of December,
when ages beyond number had run their course from the creation of the world, when God in the beginning created heaven and earth, and formed man in his own likeness;
when century upon century had passed since the Almighty set his bow 1 in the clouds after the Great Flood, as a sign of covenant and peace;
in the 21st century since Abraham, our father in faith, came out of Ur of the Chaldees 2;
in the 13th century since the People of Israel were led by Moses in the Exodus from Egypt;
around the thousandth year since David was anointed King;
in the 65th week of the prophecy of Daniel 3;
in the 194th Olympiad 4;
in the year seven hundred and fifty-two since the foundation of the City of Rome;
in the 42nd year of the reign of Caesar Octavian Augustus5,
the whole world being at peace 6,
JESUS CHRIST, eternal God and Son of the eternal Father, desiring to consecrate the world by his most loving presence, was conceived by the Holy Spirit, and when nine months had passed since his conception, was born of the Virgin Mary in Bethlehem of Judah, and was made man:
The Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to the flesh.
* * * * * * *
- That is, the rainbow.
- The land of Chaldea would be modern-day Iraq.
- The Book of Daniel, chapter 9, foretold that “Seventy weeks are decreed for your people and your holy city: then transgression will stop and sin will end, guilt will be expiated, everlasting justice will be introduced…” Seventy times 7 years, equals 490 years, which corresponds with the time between Daniel’s prophesy and Christ’s crucifixion.
- The ancient Olympics were held every 4 years & attracted widespread attention, as sports do today.
- He was Julius Caesar’s immediate successor.
- Caesar Augustus’ reign began an era of relative peace in the empire lasting two centuries. This Roman Peace (or Pax Romana) allowed the Gospel message to spread quickly across the known world.
A Christmas Lessons & Carols Program
December 23, 20141st Reading : The Christmas Proclamation
1st Song : “O Little Town of Bethlehem”
2nd Reading : The Birth of Jesus in Bethlehem
2nd Song: “Away in a Manger”
3rd Reading : The Shepherds are Heralded by Angels
3rd Song: “Hark the Herald Angels Sing”
4th Reading : The Shepherds Come to the Manger
4th Song: “O Come All Ye Faithful”
5th Reading : The Shepherds Go Forth Rejoicing
5th Song: “Joy to the World”
Christmas Lessons & Carols Readings & Songs
Christmas Lessons & Carols Songs Only
The Biggest Catholic News Stories of 2014
December 17, 2014January:
Tens of thousands of pro-lifers, mostly young people, ‘March for Life’ in Washington, D.C.
February:
A report by a U.N. committee on children criticizes the Church’s teachings on homosexuality, contraception, and abortion.
March:
Nearly 200 associated Catholic groups file a class-action lawsuit against the HHS contraceptive-abortifacient-sterilization insurance coverage mandate.
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April:
Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul the Great are canonized by Pope Francis, with Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI in attendance.
May:
A planned satanic ‘Black Mass’ at Harvard University is canceled following a strong public outcry.
June:
Vatican theologians approve a miracle for the beatification of Bishop Fulton Sheen (however, the process is indefinitely suspended in September due to an inter-diocesan impasse.)
July:
The U.S. Supreme Court rules 6 to 3 in favor of Hobby Lobby’s religious liberty (boding well for Catholic religious conscience cases.)
August:
After atrocities against Christians and Muslims, the U.S. begins airstrikes on ISIS.
September:
Bishop Blase Cupich of Spokane, WA is named the new archbishop of Chicago, replacing the ailing Cardinal Francis George.
October:
The Extraordinary Synod on the Family meets at the Vatican and reaffirms Catholic teachings.
November:
Cardinal Raymond Burke is appointed the new patron of the Knights of Malta.
December:
Pope Francis announces a consistory to name new cardinals in February of 2015.
Who is John? — 3rd Sunday of Advent—Year B
December 15, 2014
Gospel: John 1:6-8, 19-28
Who are you?
“I am not the Christ.”
Are you Elijah?
“I am not.”
Are you the Prophet?
“No.”
While St. Peter denied Christ three times to his shame, St. John the Baptist denied himself three times to his glory.
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