25 Dec
Sat
Christmas Day
Is. 52: 7-10
Ps. 97(98): 1,2-4,5-6
Heb. 1:1-6
Jn. 1:1-18 (or 1-5,9-14)
(Psalter proper)
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God has "remembered his kindness and his faithfulness towards the house of Israel." We see that in general, whenever the word "remember" occurs in the bible, it is always with reference to God. Human beings easily forget and that forgetfulness frequently becomes ingratitude and a failure to appreciate either each other or the goodness and mercy of God. God, however, forever keeps in mind his own goodness and kindness, for he has loved us with an everlasting love and so is constant in his affection for us [cf. Jeremiah 31:3]. Time after time, Israel showed herself unfaithful and so constantly experienced that God is a forgiving God, for God does not keep in mind our sins but his own divine mercy and affection for his wayward creatures.

God most of all remembered his kindness and faithfulness when he sent Jesus to be our redeemer. The memory of Jesus' birth is a memory of God's mercy and love. We pray that the memory of Christmas will enable us to bring the light of God's truth to the waiting world.



Father in Heaven you created us to be children of the light. By our celebration of the birth of Jesus, who is forever the light of the world, keep us from the darkness of sin that we may walk constantly in the light of Your presence.

DAILY OFFERING
Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.

PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
INTENTION
That our experience of suffering may help us better understand the pain of the many people who are alone, sick, or aged, and stir us to generous help.
Elaboration

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