Living Our Faith — Christmas

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The utterly charming story of Christmas is treasured by Christians for much more than its charm. It stirs thoughts of the incarnation of the Son of God and stimulates a conversation about incarnate faith.

A Nativity scene and Christmas tree decorate the Apostolic Palace at the Vatican Dec. 15, 2014. The familiar scene of Jesus lying in a manger, tended by Mary and Joseph, points beyond itself to remind believers that this child is the Word of God, who "became flesh and made his dwelling among us" (Jn 1:14). (CNS photo/Paul Haring)
A Nativity scene and Christmas tree decorate the Apostolic Palace at the Vatican Dec. 15, 2014. The familiar scene of Jesus lying in a manger, tended by Mary and Joseph, points beyond itself to remind believers that this child is the Word of God, who “became flesh and made his dwelling among us” (Jn 1:14). (CNS photo/Paul Haring)

Part of the charm of Christmas is family holiday traditions. These traditions remind us of God’s loving hand in our lives. Included in the package are examples of Christmas family traditions.

Christmas celebration centers around Mass. The first reading for the midnight Mass on Christmas Eve (Is 9:1-6) is one of the prophet Isaiah’s most beautiful and consoling.

Also included are capsule reviews of some holiday-themed films, a Christmas recipe for “plecionka” — polish potato braided bread — a reflection on the psalms, an explanation of the “The Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ” from the Roman Martyrology and a reflection on St. Joseph.