holiday originating in Christianity, usually celebrated on December 25 (in the Gregorian or Julian calendars)
POPULARITY
In this warm and reflective Christmas episode of Father & Dad, Fr. Steven and Dad talk about the joy of celebrating Christmas in the parish, especially the gift of seeing so many people gathered for Mass—some who may only come a few times a year. Rather than judgment, they reflect on this moment as a sign of hope and an open door for deeper connection.The conversation turns to an important reminder: being Catholic is about more than simply showing up for Mass. While the Eucharist is central, faith is lived within a community, and salvation is not a solo endeavor. Fr. Steven and Dad talk about how parish life is strengthened when people participate beyond Sunday worship—through shared meals, fish fries, pancake breakfasts, and the simple act of being present to one another.Dad also shares his joy in leading OCIC (Order of Christian Initiation for Children), walking alongside elementary school students as they prepare to receive their First Holy Communion. Together, they reflect on how Christmas renews not only our faith, but our call to belong, participate, and grow together as the Body of Christ.
Reading IIsaiah 9:1-6 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone. You have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing, as they rejoice before you as at the harvest, as people make merry when dividing spoils. For the yoke that burdened them, the pole on their shoulder, and the rod of their taskmaster you have smashed, as on the day of Midian. For every boot that tramped in battle, every cloak rolled in blood, will be burned as fuel for flames. For a child is born to us, a son is given us; upon his shoulder dominion rests. They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace. His dominion is vast and forever peaceful, from David's throne, and over his kingdom, which he confirms and sustains by judgment and justice, both now and forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this!Reading IITitus 2:11-14Beloved:The grace of God has appeared, saving alland training us to reject godless ways and worldly desires and to live temperately, justly, and devoutly in this age, as we await the blessed hope, the appearance of the glory of our great God and savior Jesus Christ,who gave himself for us to deliver us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for himself a people as his own, eager to do what is good.GospelLuke 2:1-14In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustusthat the whole world should be enrolled.This was the first enrollment, when Quirinius was governor of Syria.So all went to be enrolled, each to his own town.And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.While they were there,the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to her firstborn son.She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock.The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear.The angel said to them,“Do not be afraid;for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord.And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.”And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel,praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
Catholic homilies and Mass readings from St. Anne Roman Catholic Parish in Gilbert, Arizona
Reading IIsaiah 52:7-10 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings glad tidings, announcing peace, bearing good news, announcing salvation, and saying to Zion, “Your God is King!” Hark! Your sentinels raise a cry, together they shout for joy, for they see directly, before their eyes, the LORD restoring Zion. Break out together in song, O ruins of Jerusalem! For the LORD comforts his people, he redeems Jerusalem. The LORD has bared his holy arm in the sight of all the nations; all the ends of the earth will behold the salvation of our God.Reading IIHebrews 1:1-6Brothers and sisters:In times past, God spoke in partial and various ways to our ancestors through the prophets; in these last days, he has spoken to us through the Son, whom he made heir of all things and through whom he created the universe, who is the refulgence of his glory, the very imprint of his being, and who sustains all things by his mighty word. When he had accomplished purification from sins, he took his seat at the right hand of the Majesty on high, as far superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.For to which of the angels did God ever say: You are my son; this day I have begotten you?Or again: I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me?And again, when he leads the firstborn into the world, he says: Let all the angels of God worship him.GospelJohn 1:1-18 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came to be through him, and without him nothing came to be. What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.A man named John was sent from God.He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him.He was not the light,but came to testify to the light.The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came to be through him, but the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, but his own people did not accept him.But to those who did accept himhe gave power to become children of God, to those who believe in his name, who were born not by natural generation nor by human choice nor by a man's decision but of God. And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father's only Son, full of grace and truth.John testified to him and cried out, saying, “This was he of whom I said, ‘The one who is coming after me ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.'”From his fullness we have all received,grace in place of grace,because while the law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.No one has ever seen God.The only Son, God, who is at the Father's side, has revealed him.
Catholic homilies and Mass readings from St. Anne Roman Catholic Parish in Gilbert, Arizona
Catholic homilies and Mass readings from St. Anne Roman Catholic Parish in Gilbert, Arizona
Bishop Scott Bullock Homily from the Christmas Mass at Night December 25, 2025
Mother Miriam Live - December 29th, 2025 Mother takes the whole show to respond to emails and YouTube comments on the topics of Christmas Mass, the birth of Christ, Eastern Catholicism, and more.
Reading I Isaiah 9:1-6Responsorial Psalm Psalm 96: 1-2, 2-3, 11-12, 13.Reading II Titus 2:11-14Alleluia Luke 2:10-11Gospel Luke 2:1-14
Homily from the Mass offered on Wednesday, December 24th Christmas Eve - Readings for the The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas) - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
11:30 am Mass
The Nativity of the Lord Merry Christmas! Christmas is not just remembering an event that took place over 2,000 years ago. Nor is attending Christmas Mass, simply a tradition, an obligation or family pressure. Christmas is an opportunity for people to encounter the living God in a new way. For Christians, their baptism is their first Christmas. Through the words and actions of the priest or deacon, a child becomes part of the family of God.God enters into our lives unexpectedly, humbly, and where we are and not where we pretend to be. Like the shepherds who came to see the Christ child in the manger and never returned the same. May we too encounter the Christ child and never look back.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The coronation of Charlemagne established the precedent for what later became known as the Holy Roman Empire and reinforced the idea of a Christian emperor as protector of the ...
Music from Christmas Mass at Midnight Permission to podcast / stream the music in this service obtained from One License #706462-A, and CCLI licenses #11534746 and #CSPL176036.
Bishop reflects on Sunday's Gospel. Matthew Boehmer shares his conversion story that began with Christmas Mass. Deborah Sedillo Dugan tells us about the Widow Warriors Ministry. You'll also get up to date on the latest news and events in the Diocese of Phoenix. Special thanks to Catholic Cemeteries and Funeral Homes for making this show possible.
9:00 am Mass
7:00 pm MassFr. Michael Schuetz is the Vocations Director for the Diocese of Raleigh.
Christmas Mass Homily
The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas) Mass during the DayJohn 1:1-18 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came to be through him, and without him nothing came to be. What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
Holy Gospel according to Saint John 1: 1 – 5. 9 – 14In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came to be through him, and without him nothing came to be. What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came to be through him, but the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, but his own people did not accept him.But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God, to those who believe in his name, who were born not by natural generation nor by human choice nor by a man's decision but of God. And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father's only Son, full of grace and truth.The Gospel of the Lord
Homily from The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas) What if all I received was HIM this Christmas? We have waited for Jesus—and now that He is here, true gratitude is shown by living fully in the gift of His presence and love. Mass Readings from December 25, 2025:Isaiah 52:7-10 Psalm 98:1, 2-3, 3-4, 5-6Hebrews 1:1-6 John 1:1-18
Send us a textCheck out the JIBM Web site at: https://www.joeinblackministries.com/Please use the following link if you would like to financially support Church of the Holy Family: https://pushpay.com/g/hfgrandblanc?sr…Merry Christmas from the Podcast Editor!Support the show
Send us a textAt Christmas, Jesus, who is close to the Father's heart, comes to embrace us and welcome us home.I have Mass on Christmas Day at St. Isidore @ 8:30 am.frjoedailey@gmail.comMay the blessings of Christmas be yours in abundance this day and throughout the New Year.
The post Christmas Mass During the Night appeared first on St. Mary's Catholic Church.
Jn 1:1-18 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came to be through him, and without him nothing came to be. What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.A man named John was sent from God.He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him.He was not the light,but came to testify to the light.The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came to be through him, but the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, but his own people did not accept him.But to those who did accept himhe gave power to become children of God, to those who believe in his name, who were born not by natural generation nor by human choice nor by a man's decision but of God. And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father's only Son, full of grace and truth.John testified to him and cried out, saying, “This was he of whom I said, ‘The one who is coming after me ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.'”From his fullness we have all received,grace in place of grace,because while the law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.No one has ever seen God.The only Son, God, who is at the Father's side, has revealed him.
A four-year-old's question—“Why does Santa look different?”—opens a bigger one: why does Jesus look different in every painting, and how do we recognize Him today? Joe Rockey and Father Boniface Hicks explore how sacred art (especially icons) shows inner, spiritual reality more than photo-realism—and how Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist even when our eyes see only bread. As Christmas Masses fill with newcomers, we talk about hospitality, cooperation with grace, and moving from the visible to the invisible: from faces and symbols to the Person who loves us. Always through the three lenses: honesty with self, charity with others, under a living relationship with God.Key IdeasDifferent “looks,” same identity: saints (and St. Nicholas) are shown with signs of their vocation; Jesus is recognized by what's essential—wounds, mercy, and divinity—not a fixed facial template.Icons aim beyond photography: light “from within” depicts the glorified person; art can reveal deeper truth than surface detail.Real Presence, hidden form: in the Eucharist our senses see bread; faith meets the living Christ—Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity.Childlike faith teaches adults: wonder and simple trust help us notice God's voice in conscience and daily life.Christmas hospitality: welcome irregular Mass-goers with warmth and witness; our charity can draw people back to the Church.Links & ReferencesNational Shrine of Our Lady of Champion (approved Marian apparition to Adele Brise, Champion, WI): https://championshrine.orgCTAIf this helped, please leave a review or share this episode with a friend.Questions or thoughts? Email FatherAndJoe@gmail.comTagsFather and Joe, Joe Rockey, Father Boniface Hicks, Advent, Christmas, St. Nicholas, Santa Claus, icons, iconography, sacred art, Real Presence, Eucharist, conscience, childlike faith, visibility and invisibility, signs and symbols, wounds of Christ, hospitality, Christmas Mass, welcome culture, evangelization, parish life, Incarnation, contemplation, prayer, gratitude, relationships, relationship with God, relationship with self, relationship with others, Benedictine spirituality, Catholic podcast, practical spirituality
With Christmas fast approaching, people will soon be making their way home to spend time with family and friends. What was once a staple of the festive season, attending Christmas Mass is no longer a priority for many.As traditions continue to evolve, we want to know: is going to Mass still part of your Christmas tradition?Joining Andrea to discuss is Parish Priest of Abbeyleix, Raheen & Ballinakill, Father Paddy Byrne, as well as listeners.
Get all set for the Fourth Sunday of Advent in Ordinary Time with Fr. Jonathan Meyer.SummaryIn this episode, the hosts discuss the significance of the Advent season, particularly focusing on the O Antiphons and the readings for the Fourth Sunday of Advent. They explore the importance of acknowledging grief during the Christmas season and the creation of a Blue Christmas service to help those who are struggling. The conversation also highlights the role of silence and prayer in preparing for Christmas, the excitement surrounding the upcoming Masses, and the community traditions that enrich the Advent experience.TakeawaysDecember 17th marks a significant shift in Advent focus.The O Antiphons are a traditional part of Advent liturgy.Advent is a time to reflect on the three comings of Christ.Acknowledging grief during the holidays is important.The Blue Christmas service offers a space for healing.Silence and prayer are essential in preparing for Christmas.Community traditions enhance the Advent experience.Masses during Christmas are a powerful celebration.It's okay to express sadness during the holiday season.Beauty and truth can be found in Christmas traditions.Chapters00:00 Advent Reflections and Preparations05:16 The Significance of the O Antiphons10:01 Bright Lights and Non-Threatening Evangelization14:18 Homily Insights for the Fourth Sunday of Advent18:55 Acknowledging Grief During the Holidays23:27 The Joy of Christmas Mass and Community Engagement
The boys discuss the proper office etiquette, what to do about your stank and how to avoid nukes
"The overlapping sounds – the drone's gentle pulse, the lingering reverb, the admiring whispers, and the sacred music – create a dreamlike and immersive experience. It's as if the drone has become a silent witness, its sonic capture blending the everyday wonder of visitors with the profound spiritual atmosphere of a Christmas Mass. The drawn-out notes act as a unifying force, binding these disparate sounds into a cohesive and emotionally resonant whole, a sonic meditation on the Basilica's enduring beauty and its role as a place of both artistic appreciation and profound faith. The recording becomes a hauntingly beautiful reimagining, a drone's-eye (or ear) view into the soul of Sant'Antonio." Interior of Sant'Antonio, Padova reimagined by Karhide. ——————— This sound is part of the Sonic Heritage project, exploring the sounds of the world's most famous sights. Find out more and explore the whole project: https://www.citiesandmemory.com/heritage
Comedian Aaron Weber is back to join us once again in the Christmas season to celebrate another great year! Aaron welcomed his first child and shares about that experience. Taylor also gets to share about his high levels of anger at Christmas masses! Hooray! Happy New Year y'all! Subscribe/Rate Never miss out on the craziness of each episode by hitting the subscribe button RIGHT NOW! Help other people find the show by taking a few moments to leave a review in your podcasting app. Thanks! YouTube Check out the show and other exclusive videos on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/fortecatholic Connect
Come buy our indulgences...Christmas Mass was a bit of an experience, but I never expected my sister to make such a pinpoint observation! God bless you all, and here's to the New Year!Thank you to our Patrons / Channel Members:Jason YaokamKate ElminiCarol JBrenda AllorAllan SmithKathryn BurksEmilio PereaFollow us @gladtradpodcast Video Episodes on Youtube
Christmas Day Mass
Homily for The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas) Mass during the Night by Fr. Stephen Hamilton.Reading I Is 9:1-6Responsorial Psalm Ps 96: 1-2, 2-3, 11-12, 13.Reading II Ti 2:11-14Alleluia Lk 2:10-11Gospel Lk 2:1-14
Listen to Fr. Steve's homily from 12/25/24.Thanks for listening! Please leave us a rating and/or review, and share on social media or with a friend! You can email ashley@rootedinthereallyreal.com with any questions or suggestions. God bless.
"Happy Holidays from Mary Queen of Peace Parish" Opening: #439 O come all ye faithful Presentation: #430 Angles we have heard on high Closing: #437 Joy to the World All music reproduced and streamed with permission from ONE LICENSE, license #A-723939. Organist: Sarha Sigmars Celebrants: Father Joe Kenan and Deacon Frank Szemanski Today's readings (via USCCB): bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading For more information, visit our parish website at MaryQueenofPeacePGH.org.
“Today in the city of David a Savior has been born for you.” - Fr. Lucas Laborde. Click here for today's readings. What does the Christmas mystery tell you about the way God acts in our midst? What can make you more capable of perceiving his signs?
Read OnlineMerry Christmas! Our Advent preparations have been completed, and we are now invited by our Lord to enter into the glorious celebration of His birth!How well do you understand the awe-inspiring mystery of Christmas? How fully do you comprehend the significance of God becoming a human, born of a virgin? Though many are quite familiar with the beautiful and humble story of the birth of the Savior of the World, that familiarity can have the surprising negative effect of keeping our intellect from deeply probing the depths of the meaning of what we celebrate.Notice the last line of the Gospel passage quoted above: “And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.” What a beautiful line to ponder this Christmas day. Mother Mary was the one person who would have understood the mystery of the birth of her Son, the Son of God, the Savior of the World, far more deeply than anyone else. It was to her that the Archangel Gabriel appeared, announcing her pregnancy and His birth. It was her who carried her Son, the Son of God, in her Immaculate womb for nine months. It was to her that Elizabeth, her cousin, cried out, “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb” (Luke 1:42). It was Mary who was the Immaculate Conception, the one who was preserved from all sin throughout her life. And it was her who gave birth to this Child, carried Him in her arms and nursed Him at her breast. Our Blessed Mother, more than any other, understood the incredible event that had taken place in her life. But, again, the Gospel above says that “Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.” One thing this tells us is that even Mary, the Mother of Jesus and the Mother of God, needed time to ponder, reflect and savor this most holy mystery. She never doubted, but her faith continually deepened, and her heart pondered the unfathomable and incomprehensible mystery of the Incarnation.Another thing this tells us is that there is no end to the depth of the “pondering” to which we must commit ourselves if we want to enter more deeply into the mystery of the birth of the Son of God. Reading the story, setting up a nativity scene, sharing Christmas cards, attending Mass and the like are central to a holy celebration of Christmas. But “pondering” and “reflecting,” especially during prayer and especially at the Christmas Mass, will have the effect of drawing us ever deeper into this Mystery of our Faith. Reflect, today, with our Blessed Mother. Ponder the Incarnation. Place yourself into the scene that first Christmas. Hear the sounds of the town. Smell the smells of the stable. Watch as the shepherds come forth in adoration. And enter the mystery more fully, acknowledging that the more you know about the mystery of Christmas, the more you know how little you actually know and understand. But that humble realization is the first step to a deeper understanding of what we celebrate this day.Lord, I gaze at the wonder of Your birth. You Who are God, the Second Person of the Most Holy Trinity, God from God and Light from Light, became one of us, a humble child, born of a virgin and laid in a manger. Help me to ponder this glorious event, to reflect upon the mystery with awe and to more fully grasp the meaning of what You have done for us. I thank You, dear Lord, for this glorious celebration of Your birth into the world. Jesus, I trust in You.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2024 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.Featured image above: Shepherds at the Manger, via flickr
Send us a textSPONSOR: Briefcase MarketingEver wondered what Christmas Carols truly captures the spirit of Christmas for different people? Join us for a heartwarming discussion with our guest Jackie Brauser, as we explore the magic of both secular and sacred holiday tunes. Secular SongsJackie's ListIt's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas: Bing CrosbyWhite Christmas: Bing CrosbyMele Kalikimaka: Jimmy BuffettDeacon Mike's ListWhite Christmas: Bing CrosbyDo they Know It's Christmas Time at All? USA for AfricaHave Yourself a Merry Little Christmas: Frank SinatraFr. Damian's ListChristmas is the Time to Say I Love You: Billy SquireI Don't Care What the People Say, Christmas Time is Here: Jimmy FallonJulian Casablancas VersionBlue Christmas: Bruce SpringsteenOur conversation takes a personal turn as Jackie reflects on embracing her natural beauty, a journey influenced by her late father's legacy. Sacred SongsJackie's ListHark the Herald Angels Sing: A Charlie Brown ChristmasDo You Hear What I Hear?The Angel GabrielO Holy NIghtDeacon Mike's ListSIlent NightThe First NoelO Come All Ye FaithfulFr. Damian's ListPeace on Earth/Drummer Boy: Bing Crosby and David BowieSilent NIght - Sufjan StevensO Holy NIghtText us your favoritesSPONSOR: Briefcase MarketingAt Briefcase Marketing, we create marketing that inspires action and delivers results. We will:Clarify your message to attract the right audience.Streamline your website to convert more visitors into customers, donors or volunteers.Create consistency to build trust and deepen relationships across every marketing platform (Emails, Ads, Social Media, Etc).Check out just two of their recent successful clients who we know well.Theology of the Body CLESt. John Cantius ParishBriefcase MarketingChurch Search goes to Holy Martyrs Parish in Medina, OH Readings for Christmas Mass can be found here.
As Christmas approaches, Fr. Kerry and Fr. O'Brien talk about favorite Christmas presents and the importance of attending Christmas Mass with a special emphasis on Christmas at Holy Family Cathedral in downtown Tulsa."