SPIRIT OF THE SEASON
During the Christmas season, we contemplate the mystery of the Incarnation, the Eternal Word assuming a human nature. It starts with Christmas day and ends with the Baptism of the Lord.
It includes the Octave of Christmas. The liturgical year gives us two octaves: the octave of Christmas and the octave of Easter. For a whole week we celebrate the mystery. During those days we celebrate with more intensity.
It also includes the feast of the Holy Family, Mary Mother of God, and Epiphany. It is a season of joy, gratitude, and wonder. As He formed Jesus in the womb of Mary, the Holy Spirit wants to form the life of Jesus in us. We are invited to ENTER Bethlehem through different doors.
1. Pray before the nativity scene. In the church or at home, spend some time looking at the nativity scene. You go from the visible to the invisible. You contemplate Jesus who became one of us, and you enter the mystery through each of the characters present there. Ask yourself: with which figure do I most identify? Joseph can be an example of docility and surrender. Mary teaches us devotion and love for the Child. The shepherds are unworthy but still receive the love of God. The Magi are the seekers that find Jesus. The angels announce the mystery, they evangelize. Even the cows bring warm breath to the child.
2. Pray with Scripture. During these days you can read the infancy narratives. You can read Luke chapter 2 and Matthew chapters 1 and 2; you can also meditate on the prologue, John 1:1-18. Pay special attention to the titles that are given to Jesus (Savior, Messiah, Lord, etc.) and to the transformation that takes place in those who adore Him. You can use the Christmas reflections online.
3. Go to Mass as much as you can.
The characters in the nativity scene adore the Newborn King. We can adore Him as well by partaking in the Eucharist. During these days try to go to Mass as much as you can. The word Christmas comes from the Mass of Christ. So, to celebrate Christmas, celebrate the Mass. You can go both the 24th and 25th, and during the Octave. As you receive communion, receive Him as Mary or Joseph did.
4. Listen to Christmas music. Christian carols, hymns for Christmas, they touch the heart! They give you access to the mystery.
5. Read about the Incarnation. We get used to the mystery of the Incarnation, but it’s a revolutionary concept! People throughout the ages have reflected, pondered, and written about it. Access the mystery through the mind! Some reading suggestions: Catechism on the Incarnation (CCC 456-469), Newman’s sermon called “The Mystery of Godliness” (PPS Volume 5, Sermon 7), Joy to the World by Scott Hahn, and Jesus of Nazareth, Vol. 3 by Pope Benedict XVI.
6. During the Octave pray the joyful mysteries. Enter the mystery of Christmas through the person of Mary. You can also do an alternative set of mysteries: 1) Annunciation of the Angel to Mary. 2) The message of the Angel to the shepherds and the singing of the Gloria. 3) The calling of the Magi that follow the star and go to adore Him. 4) Birth of Jesus. 5) The love of Mary and Joseph for Jesus.
7. Give and receive gifts and the Gift. As you give and receive gifts, remember that the gift exchange is
an echo of all the gifts God gives us. Above all we give gifts because this season we receive the main Gift of the Father. Receive the Gift of Jesus in a new way: this season ask Jesus to come to live in you in a new way! All the characters in the manger welcomed the presence of Christ and they were transformed by His presence. He is Emmanuel. He comes to love us. He comes to dwell among us and in us. Believe in his love for you! Pray a prayer of surrender to Him. Ask him to live in you through the power of the Holy Spirit. Ask for a specific GIFT. He is the GIFT, but he comes with many gifts of grace—in him we have every spiritual blessing!
