There is something special about the Christmas season that gives us warmth. Could it be the warmth of the fireplace where the stockings are delicately hung? Or is it perhaps the hot cocoa that warms us inside? As Catholics, we all should know the real answer: the birth of Christ. The baby Jesus lights up our world, for He is our God and Savior. After all, Sacred Scripture declares:
“Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’ “ (John 8:12)
After receiving Jesus at Christmas Mass, what should we do with this Light? Do we go home and forget about Him? Of course not. The true presence of Jesus Christ is meant to be shared with one another. Here are some ways we can remember Christ this Christmas.
Give a Gift from the Heart
As the Blessed Virgin Mary gives the gift of her Son and “wraps him in swaddling clothes”, so do we give presents to each other and wrap them in decorative gift wrapping paper. Do you not know what to give? Jesus is the Word of God. Why not give the gift of Sacred Scripture? You could always go through the Bible choosing your favorite Bible verses or the ones that speak to you. Write them on pieces of paper. Place them in a mason jar as a gift for Christmas for the whole family. It brings about discussion of the Catholic Faith. What a beautiful gift it is to give Bible quotes to share with the whole family.
Write Letters
Christmas is a time of expressing how you really feel. So put some pen to paper and write to your parents about how thankful you are of them and everything they have done for you. Describe your favorite childhood Christmas memory with them. Write to your siblings and talk about when you were all growing up and about that toy you always secretly wanted of theirs at Christmastime. Write letters of love and gratitude. However, never forget to mention the true meaning of Christmas.
Give Your Time
This Christmas give the gift of your time. Spend some time calling a loved one who is far away. How about helping out at a homeless shelter? Decorating your church would be a kind act of service. Being present in the presence of your loved ones is always a true gift to be treasured.
Experience the Christmas Mass
Immerse yourself fully in the Mass. Smell the incense that symbolizes all the prayers rising up towards Heaven. Taste the Eucharist: the Holy Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Listen to the Word of God and the Homily the priest gives. Try to apply the Homily to your own personal life. How does Christ’s birth affect you today? See the Eucharist being elevated and remember Jesus’ great sacrifice that brings the salvation of mankind. Adore Him and thank Him from the bottom of your heart. Sing wholeheartedly the Christmas carols at Mass. Afterwards, spend time at the Nativity scene in the church and pray a couple of Hail Marys for Christ’s peace in your own soul and in the world around you.
Christmas This Year
As for me, this Christmas season I have been trying to do something extra for the Lord by watching the daily EWTN Mass. It is also important to me to spend quiet time with the Lord. Last Lent, I realized the importance of spending time alone with the Holy Spirit, asking a few questions here and there but mainly listening to what the God of the universe has to tell me.
As Pope Francis says, “Christmas celebrations are often full of sound. It would be good for us to make room for silence, to hear the voice of Love.”
As we are on the topic of prayer, let us pray this prayer given by Saint Pope John XXIII:
“O Sweet Child of Bethlehem, grant that we may share with all our hearts in this profound mystery of Christmas. Put into the hearts of men and women this peace for which they sometimes seek so desperately and which You alone can give to them. Help them to know one another better and to live as brothers and sisters, children of the same Father. Reveal to them also Your Beauty, Holiness, and Purity. Awaken in their hearts love and gratitude for Your Infinite Goodness. Join them all together in Your love. And give us Your heavenly peace. Amen.”
I hope Catholic Stand staff and readers have a very Merry Christmas with their loved ones celebrating the greatest gift of all: the coming of our Savior Jesus Christ.
3 thoughts on “Remember Christ This Christmas”
Diana,
I very much enjoyed your article, “Remembering Christ at Christmas”. The highlighting of baby Jesus’ swaddling clothes, which the Blessed Mother wrapped her infant Son after His birth, brought to mind a touching scene from the Christmas special of the Biblical-based series, The Chosen. Mother Mary is reminiscing the details of the nativity scene, in particular, she is pondering the fact that the cloths her Son were wrapped in were the same type of cloths used to wrap unblemished, newborn lambs. In the scene, she relays these thoughts to Mary Magdalene, recognizing it as a sign of the sacrificial nature of her Son’s mission. Just as unblemished lambs were used in sacrifice, Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, who sacrificed Himself so that we may have eternal life. Your inclusion of Pope Francis’ quote complements your article beautifully. Pope Francis’ point of making room for silence during the Christmas season reminds us of the silent and holy night of Christ’s birth where all was calm and all was bright. Thank you for writing such a helpful, timely, and thought-provoking article to assist readers in remembering the true meaning of Christmas.
Thank you so much for your comment. Very interesting points to ponder! I am glad you found my article to be “helpful, timely, and thought-provoking.” God bless you AW!
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